Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has fired a Staten Island warehouse worker who organized a strike to demand greater protections for employees amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Chris Smalls, a management assistant at the facility, known as JFK8, said he was fired Monday afternoon following the strike. Smalls and other employees walked out to call attention to the lack of protections for warehouse workers. The workers are also urging Amazon to close the facility after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus last week. The organizers also said at least 50 people joined the walkout.
An Amazon spokesperson told the media that Smalls was fired, saying he received "multiple warnings" for violating social distancing guidelines and refusing to remain quarantined after coming into close contact with an associate who tested positive for the virus.
Amazon also disputed the number of employees that participated in the strike, putting it closer to 15. The company called the workers’ accusations "unfounded" and said it has taken "extreme measures" to make sure employees are safe while on the job.
The New York state attorney general called Amazon’s firing of Smalls “disgraceful” and said her office is "considering all legal options," as well as calling on the National Labor Relations Board to investigate the incident.
Amazon shares subtracted $3.42 to $1,960.52 in Tuesday’s first hour.
Tech Insider
