Maria Malinowska, an active union member and a former employee at Amazon's Sady warehouse near Poznan in Poland, recently won a legal battle against Amazon after being wrongfully dismissed for criticising working conditions following the death of coworker, Darek Dziamski, who died from a heart attack while working under strenuous conditions.
Amazon accused Malinowska of misconduct, but she has been cleared and is set to return to work.
Dziamski's death highlighted severe working conditions at the warehouse, with workers facing excessive physical demands and inadequate support. Despite Amazon's internal investigation finding no work-related cause, Dziamski’s widow and union members challenged this conclusion, demanding a thorough investigation into the impact of working conditions on his health.
Previous reports had already indicated Amazon's labour standards exceeded worker’s physical capabilities.
Malinowska's reinstatement is being seen as a significant win for workers' rights. Amazon, while accepting the court's verdict, stood by its original decision to dismiss her. Malinowska remains committed to improving working conditions at Amazon, with strong support from her fellow union members.
Source: etui, 24 April