Labour Office Probes Wage Loss After FDA Shuts Bhiwandi Amazon Warehouse
The Maharashtra state labour commissioner's office has ordered an inquiry into the loss of livelihood suffered by workers after the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) temporarily shut down an Amazon warehouse in Bhiwandi and a Blinkit warehouse in Malad.
The action follows complaints submitted by Dr Laxman Mane, general-secretary of the Platform App Based and Other Commerce Workers Union. The union raised concerns over hundreds of workers who lost their source of income following FDA enforcement actions.
The FDA conducted raids at the warehouses on June 24 and suspended their operating licences on July 1 over alleged hygiene violations, forcing both facilities to suspend operations. The sudden closures affected warehouse personnel, including pickers and packers, as well as allied gig delivery workers dependent on the facilities.
In response to the union's representation, Deputy Labour Commissioner (Enforcement) CB Jagtap stated that action would be taken on the issues raised. He directed local officials to investigate the situation and submit a Labour Situation Report.
Union representatives are demanding that workers receive 50 percent of their wages, compensation, and continuity of statutory benefits throughout the closure. Dharmendra Kumar, president of the union, stated that workers are entitled to 50 percent of their wages alongside uninterrupted benefits like EPFO, increments, leave, and seniority during a layoff period under the provisions of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Kumar noted that because the closures are temporary, the workers should be formally treated as laid off until operations resume.
An Amazon India spokesperson stated that the well-being of associates is a top priority and that the company is working closely with its third-party staffing partner to support continuity of employment for all associates. Blinkit did not provide a response.
Dr Mane welcomed the labour commissioner's intervention, stating that authorities must balance food safety enforcement with the protection of workers' livelihoods. The union has warned that if pending dues are not cleared by October 15, workers will stage a march to the Thane collector's office.
