MEPs raise concerns over Amazon working conditions and worker surveillance

European Parliament employment and social affairs MEPs have raised concerns over working conditions, digital surveillance and alleged anti-union practices at Amazon, following a fact-finding mission to the company’s facilities in Poland and Germany.

During the mission, MEPs met workers and trade union representatives, who reported difficulties securing collective agreements, pressure to meet productivity targets and workplace monitoring that they said affected employees’ physical and mental health.

The delegation also heard concerns that automation was increasing work intensity rather than reducing workloads, while workers lacked transparency over how performance data was collected and used.

Estelle Ceulemans, the Socialists and Democrats Group’s spokesperson on employment and social affairs, said workers faced excessive productivity targets and punitive measures, exacerbated by artificial intelligence and algorithmic management.

She called for binding EU rules to protect workers, arguing that the proposed Quality Jobs legislation should strengthen health and safety standards, collective bargaining rights and safeguards against harmful workplace surveillance.

Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa regional secretary, alleged that Amazon used intimidation and sanctions against workers seeking safer conditions through collective action.

The representatives urged EU policymakers to translate the mission’s findings into concrete measures, including stronger protections for workers’ physical and mental health and regulation of algorithmic management.