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One of the European Parliament's committees is recommending that Amazon lobbyists should be denied access for the time being. The reason is that the American tech giant is stonewalling during hearings on working conditions.

Amazon has been under fire for some time, particularly in the United States, for imposing a high workload on their workers. The giant's approach to maximizing work time is being strictly monitored by lawmakers.

In the news: The EU Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) sends a letter to Parliament President Roberta Metsola complaining.

  • "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.

Amazon is not cooperating

The details: Amazon has interfered with the committee's work on three occasions, the letter says.

  • 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 in May 2021 to discuss this, but Amazon would not appear to explain its position.
    • Instead, a written note came from the company. However, then-Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was personally invited.
  • The committee planned a visit to the retail giant' s department stores in Germany and Poland to review working conditions. That visit was scheduled for December 2023, but was unexpectedly canceled by Amazon.
  • And most recently, on Jan. 23, EMPL had asked Amazon 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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