“The virus is literally moving throughout the building. Phase by phase, department by department.”

— Christian Smalls

Location: Zoom
Date: Friday, 3rd April 2020
Company: N/A
Role: N/A

The treatment of Amazon warehouse workers frequently comes under scrutiny, with reports of gruelling shifts, stringent performance targets and limited breaks.

The spread of the COVID-19 has led to the closure of all non-essential businesses in many parts of the world. Amazon has become a lifeline for many ordering essentials during this lockdown.

With Amazon warehouses busier than ever there are fears that these places of work could become hotbeds for spreading the virus.

When Amazon worker Christian Smalls was told a co-worker had tested positive for COVID-19, he raised the concerns with his supervisors and asked to have the building closed and sanitised before returning to work. According to Christian, management denied his request, which led him to organise a walkout in protest. Christian was subsequently fired.

In this interview, I talk to Christian Smith to discuss the working conditions in an Amazon warehouse, the company's reaction to the pandemic, and if Amazon should close its business entirely.

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Show notes and transcription: https://www.defiance.news/podcast/sacked-amazon-coronavirus-whistleblower-christian-smalls

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Timestamps:
Coming soon…

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