Minnesota Amazon workers seek improvements

Published 10:00 pm Tuesday, June 5, 2018

EAGAN — A group of East African employees is asking retail giant Amazon to improve working conditions at an eastern Minnesota warehouse.

Employees at the Eagan facility made the request at a Monday news conference called by the Awood Center, which defends the rights of East African workers.

The center said it has received a few dozen complaints from workers. It’s unclear if complaints also have been filed with Amazon or the state.

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The employees allege they experience exhaustion, dehydration and injuries while working without air conditioning. Workers say the conditions are particularly difficult for Muslims celebrating Ramadan and observing a strict fast.

Amazon spokesman Ernesto Apreza said the company provides a “positive and accommodating workplace,” and has air conditioned break areas, fans throughout the building and accommodates employees’ religious practices.