Chris Smalls and other workers at the warehouse, which is known as JFK8, walked out on Monday as part of a call to the online giant to close the facility after a worker tested positive for COVID-19 last week. He said that there were many more workers who tested positive there than the company has publicly admitted, CNN reported.
But James tweeted: “In this midst of a pandemic, Chris Smalls & his colleagues bravely protested the lack of precautions that @amazon employed to protect them from #COVID19. Then he was fired.”
“I’m considering all legal options & calling on the NLRB to investigate,” she said, referring to the National Labor Relations Board, which lobbies for the rights of private sector employees.
In a statement issued on her website, James said that in New York, the right to organize is “codified into law,” and any retaliatory action by management “is strictly prohibited.”
“At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling and are deeply concerned about their safety, this action was also immoral and inhumane.”
The online giant told Newsweek in a statement that Smalls was fired for ignoring “multiple warnings” about social distancing after his contact with a colleague who had tested positive.
“He was also found to have had close contact with a diagnosed associate with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and was asked to remain home with pay for 14 days, which is a measure we’re taking at sites around the world.”
“Despite that instruction to stay home with pay, he came onsite today, March 30, further putting the teams at risk. This is unacceptable and we have terminated his employment as a result of these multiple safety issues.”
However, a number of workers at different facilities told CNBC they were concerned the safety measures at the facilities were not enough, complaining there were not enough supplies such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant.
“We have also implemented proactive measures at our facilities to protect employees including increased cleaning at all facilities, maintaining social distance in the fulfilment centre, and adding distance between drivers and customers when making deliveries,” the statement added.
Hygiene advice
Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste. Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people. If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance. Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease. Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning. Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask. Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask. Do not reuse single-use masks. Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves. The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
