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US government responds to ‘NYT’ article on ‘bruising’ Amazon workplace

In the US, a New York Times article that depicts Amazon is a ‘bruising workplace’ has drawn a response from the government, as well as much discussion in the book industry. Publishers Weekly reports that House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has assured the public that Amazon will comply with various labour standards during a visit to the company’s Seattle headquarters. Pelosi said that ‘if the Times’ article offered an accurate picture of what it’s like to work for Amazon, the company’s prevailing practices “won’t be taking place anymore”’. Company CEO Jeff Bezos also responded to the article, writing in a letter to employees that ‘I don’t recognize this Amazon and I very much hope you don’t, either’. The original New York Times article has attracted more than 5000 comments, including comments from Amazon employees. Head of infrastructure development at Amazon.com search experience Nick Ciubotariu has defended his employer in a Linkedin post, while Publishing Perspectives editor-in-chief Edward Nawotka has questioned whether Amazon is self-destructing under its own ambition.

 

Category: International news