Amazon may only ship essential goods in France. The online giant has therefore decided to close six distribution centres in the country until at least 20 April. Around 10,000 employees work at the sites.
Amazon has come under fire in recent weeks for allegedly failing to adequately protect shop floor staff from contamination. The French union Union Syndicale Solidaires went to court and was vindicated. The US group is now only allowed to ship essential goods, such as groceries and medical devices. Meanwhile, Amazon must conduct a thorough investigation into the risk of contamination and take additional measures.
In a response to the ruling, Amazon is temporarily shutting down all logistics operations in France. In an internal document seen by Reuters, Amazon writes: "We are forced to suspend all production activities in distribution centres, to assess the risks of the COVID-19 epidemic and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of workers (during that period)."
"We are surprised by the court ruling, given the hard evidence put forward regarding safety measures taken to protect our employees," Amazon said.
According to the union Union Syndicale Solidaires, the court decision offers opportunities for similar actions.
Image: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock.com
