A group of Amazon employees filed a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of discriminating against disabled workers using AI. The lawsuit, seeking class action status, alleges Amazon denies medical requests for remote work, forcing unpaid leave or termination. Amazon disputes the claims, with employees represented by a NY law firm.
Various lawsuits have accused Amazon of discrimination, including against disabled and pregnant workers. The latest lawsuit alleges discrimination based on disability, race, and gender. Amazon faces thousands of accommodation requests daily, with potential annual requests estimated at 255,000. The outcome of previous discrimination lawsuits against Amazon has been mixed.
Employees in the current lawsuit range from warehouse workers to software engineers. Allegations include technical issues and delays in processing accommodation requests using Amazon’s “A to Z” app. Specific cases include an employee with uterine fibroids placed on unpaid leave, a car accident victim denied remote work, and disabled workers terminated or placed on unpaid leave.
The lawsuit claims the issues faced by plaintiffs likely affect tens of thousands of Amazon employees. Amazon reportedly receives around 725 accommodation requests daily, potentially totaling 255,000 annually. The company has not disclosed the number of requests granted. Amazon recently announced layoffs as it invests heavily in AI technology. Disabled Amazon corporate employees are forming a union called Disabled Employees United, with nearly all members seeking legal action against the company over accommodation requests. At least 140 members have been granted the right to sue by the EEOC. Amazon is using AI for administrative tasks but not for decision-making. Former EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows raised concerns about automated processes hindering employees’ rights. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires employers to engage in interactive discussions for accommodations. An October lawsuit alleges Amazon deleted Slack messages from employees discussing their rights, leading to warnings of disciplinary action. Amazon said the messages violated its solicitation policy. The company maintains its commitment to providing accommodations for employees. 1. The stock market reached new heights today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at a record high of 35,000 points. This surge was attributed to strong earnings reports from major tech companies like Apple and Google, which exceeded analysts’ expectations.
2. In international news, tensions are escalating between Russia and Ukraine as Russian troops continue to mass near the Ukrainian border. The United States and European Union have expressed concerns over a possible invasion by Russia, which could have significant implications for global security and stability.
3. On the economic front, inflation in the United States surged to a 13-year high in June, with consumer prices rising by 5.4% compared to the previous year. This spike was driven by increases in the cost of food, energy, and used cars, raising concerns about the impact on consumers and businesses.
4. In health news, researchers have identified a new variant of the COVID-19 virus known as the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than previous strains. This variant has led to a surge in cases in countries like India and the United Kingdom, prompting renewed concerns about the ongoing pandemic.
5. Finally, in sports news, the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin later this month amidst ongoing controversy and uncertainty. With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Japan, there are concerns about the safety of athletes and spectators, as well as the potential impact on the global sporting community.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Amazon workers with disabilities file suit against tech giant, alleging systematic discrimination