COVID Safety Lawsuits Against Amazon
New York Attorney General Letitia James recently filed a lawsuit against Amazon based on worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal retaliation. While the case was dismissed by an appeals court, the lawsuit’s main claim was that Amazon exposed employees to the disease in two facilities in New York City and unlawfully retaliated against workers who complained. Amazon has denied the allegations, but it remains unclear whether its employees have a legal case against it.
New York state appeals court dismisses COVID-19 lawsuit against Amazon
A new case has arisen regarding the COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines. A New York state appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit against Amazon brought by Letitia James, the state’s attorney general. James claims that Amazon failed to provide adequate health precautions for its workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and that it unlawfully disciplined employees for protesting unsafe conditions. The court ruled that the federal law preempts state claims relating to COVID-19.
In the case, the state attorney general filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company violated the COVID-19 workplace guidelines by failing to provide proper protections for workers. The plaintiffs argued that the suit was untimely, and the company retaliated against employees who complained about poor working conditions. The state appeals court agreed with the state attorney general’s position that state laws should be preempted by federal law.
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed suit against Amazon
Amazon has been facing a lawsuit from the state’s Attorney General alleging that the online retailer failed to protect its New York City warehouse workers from the deadly COVID-19 virus. James also claims that the company retaliated against several employees who complained about the safety measures at their workplaces. A Staten Island warehouse worker, Christian Smalls, was fired after vocally addressing the conditions at his workplace and helping to organize a March protest. The lawsuit also claims that Amazon is violating workplace safety laws by allowing employees to report concerns about working conditions and the company has fired multiple employees for reporting their concerns about unsafe working conditions.
In addition to the lawsuit, James’ office is also investigating whether Amazon’s warehouses were able to meet the state’s COVID safety standards. The company is defending its safety standards, but James’ office has asked the company to change its health policies and monitor its effectiveness. She also wants Amazon to pay Palmer and Smalls back wages and rehire them.
New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law provides a strong defense to claims of workplace injuries
While the workers’ compensation benefits provided by Amazon are often inadequate, many have been dissatisfied with the amount of compensation they’ve received. As a result, they often accept a low level of compensation. While the OSHA provides technical support and investigates whistleblower complaints, the NYWC also oversees state plans, develops policies, and does administrative work.
While the right to avoid obvious danger is recognized as a fundamental human right, this right often conflicts with the rights of employers. Private governing bodies often create laws requiring workers to work in dangerous conditions. In many cases, refusing to do such work may mean the loss of your job. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought this issue into focus.
Cost of lawsuit
A recent lawsuit alleges that Amazon failed to take adequate measures to protect warehouse workers from the deadly virus. Amazon notified workers of positive results of COVID-19 tests and diagnoses over 80 times but failed to close down the facility in those cases. The lawsuit claims that Amazon took inadequate steps to protect workers during the pandemic, even though it reported $130 billion in profit during this period. Despite the lawsuit, Amazon is now investigating the claims.
In response, Amazon has released data on the number of COVID cases filed by its employees. The number of cases was double the national average, and Minnesota was especially high. The lawsuit claims that Amazon ignored the risks of COVID by failing to provide employees with handwashing stations. It is unclear how many workers have filed similar lawsuits, but the company did not comment on the details of the lawsuits. However, if the company did violate the terms of its policies, the company should pay these employees a large stipend.
Impact on investors
In November, the state of California settled a case against Amazon, agreeing to pay $500,000 in damages. The lawsuit had originally been filed by the state of California, which alleges that Amazon intentionally concealed the number of COVID cases in the warehouses. Without a count, warehouse workers were unable to make crucial decisions for their safety. This case also cited Amazon’s failure to provide timely warnings about COVID cases.
A recent COVID lawsuit filed against Amazon alleges that workers working in fulfillment centers in New York City are at risk of contracting the virus. The plaintiff, Barbara Chandler, had contracted the virus at a Staten Island fulfillment center. The plaintiff’s cousin died from a COVID-related illness. The lawsuit also cites the company’s negligence in cleaning its warehouses. However, despite the lawsuit’s underlying allegations, Amazon is continuing to make record profits.
Impact on consumers
The settlement requires Amazon to stop harmful labor practices and provide key workplace information. Amazon argues that California law does not require the company to notify its customers of COVID-19 cases. However, California law requires employers to report COVID-19 cases to local health departments within 48 hours. The provisions of the settlement will be in effect for one year. While the terms of the settlement may seem favorable to consumers, it will be less favorable for the company overall.
The settlement requires Amazon to update its COVID notification policies and take further specific actions to help warehouse workers. The company will also pay $500k toward the enforcement of California consumer protection laws. Amazon defended the settlement as being related to technicalities in state law. The company did not reveal the names of those who were infected or the shifts that they worked. Despite the settlement, workers and the public are still concerned.
New York Attorney General Letitia James recently filed a lawsuit against Amazon based on worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal retaliation. While the case was dismissed by an appeals court, the lawsuit’s main claim was that Amazon exposed employees to the disease in two facilities in New York City and unlawfully retaliated against…