Amazon banned from EU Parliament after not reporting on working conditions

Brussels – The European Parliament banned Amazon from its premises due to its lack of willingness to cooperate. Representatives of the well-known brand were repeatedly invited to hearings by MEPs to discuss working conditions in Amazon warehouses. The online retailer declined the invitations too many times so that the hearing never took place, and the quaestors of the European Parliament decided to withdraw accreditation: no more access to Parliament.

BREAKING: Amazon will be banned from the European Parliament!

After weeks of mounting pressure by trade unions, civil society and Members of the European Parliament, Amazon’s lobbyists will no longer be able to access its premises.

Our reaction: https://t.co/izj0HEUybV pic.twitter.com/wXXX9bKK5U

– UNI Europa (@UNI_Europa) February 27, 2024

Breaking the news is United Europe, the union representing service sector workers, raising the issue and urging action from the community institution on the non-cooperation. Oliver Roethig, regional secretary of UNI Europa, speaks of victory: With its decision, “the European Parliament has drawn a clear red line: Amazon’s anti-democratic behavior won’t be tolerated – whether that’s towards trade unions or parliaments,” Roethig said. It is the second time in history the European Parliament has banned a lobby group from its premises. The first time was in 2017 with Monsanto. “Amazon refuses to answer to the EU Parliament, and it is only right that its access be removed​,” said Esther Lynch, secretary general of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). That is not enough, however. Lynch urges the EU Parliament to adopt an even tougher line. “We call for this decision to apply to all Amazon lobbyists, including its consultants”.

The company replied some hours later. “We have repeatedly expressed our willingness to discuss with the members of the Employement and Social affairs committee and on several occasions we have invited them to visit our facilities,” Amazon said in a statement. “The invitation is still valid and we would welcome the opportunity to showcase the investments we have made to ensure our work environments are modern, inclusive and safe”. Furthermore the same official statement stressed that “Amazon regularly participates in activities organized by the European Parliament and other EU institutions, including parliamentary hearings, and remains committed to participating in a balanced and constructive dialogue on issues that concern European citizens”.

That’s why “we are very disappointed by this decision“, the company complained. “As a company active in the European Union for over 25 years and with more than 150,000 permanent employees, we take our commitment to policy makers in Brussels and across Europe very seriously. Our commitment continues despite this decision”.