Copyright © BusinessAMBE 2023
One of the
In the news:
- "In light of Amazons repeated refusal to attend EMPL hearings, we would like to request that appropriate measures be taken to revoke access badges to the
European Parliament buildings for registered representatives of Amazons interests." -
This clear message can be read in a letter signed by the chairman of the committee, Dragos Pîslaru, which Euractiv was able to view. The letter will now end up on the desk of
Parliament Speaker Metsola. She will have to decide whether to grant the request. -
Lobbyists are allowed to fight for their interests in the corridors of parliament as long as they are registered in the
Transparency Register . In return, they receive access badges.-
The EMPL committee's request does not involve delisting, but it would thus physically deny
Amazon lobbyists access to parliament.
-
The EMPL committee's request does not involve delisting, but it would thus physically deny
The details:
- In spring 2021, it came to light that
Amazon may be monitoring employees, which would violate labor and privacy laws in the EU. The commission then held a hearing inMay 2021 to discuss this, butAmazon would not appear to explain its position.-
Instead, a written note came from the company. However, then-
Amazon CEOJeff Bezos was personally invited.
-
Instead, a written note came from the company. However, then-
-
The committee planned a visit to the retail giant' s department stores in
Germany andPoland to review working conditions. That visit was scheduled forDecember 2023 , but was unexpectedly canceled byAmazon . -
And most recently, on
Jan. 23 , EMPL had askedAmazon to exchange views on working conditions. The company did not respond, "despite providing sufficient notice and the necessary resources for remote participation."
"Democratic control process impeded"
The responses: "No respect" versus "constructive dialogue."
- The letter closes by concluding that "by refusing to engage in an open dialogue with the
European Parliament ,Amazon not only shows no respect for our institution, but also impedes a democratic scrutiny process." -
An
Amazon spokesperson stuck to a standard response to Euractiv: "We welcome opportunities for constructive dialogue on issues facing the logistics industry and remain committed to engaging with the committee."- The company would indeed be open to hosting EMPL members at one of their department stores, the spokesperson said.
- Metsola is free to make the decision whether or not to revoke access badges. The procedure already stipulates that not cooperating in hearings is a valid reason for revocation, with no further explanation required. (evb)
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