Amazon Gets A Hard Pass at the EU Parliament Hearing
What Went Down?
Amazon missed a scheduled meeting with the European Parliament’s Employment Committee because of a disagreement over which company staff should attend. Rather than come with a full delegate, the hiring giant opted out, sparking a bit of a controversy among lawmakers.
Key Moments
- Meeting Omitted: Amazon didn’t send a representative to the hearing.
- Personnel Dispute: The core issue was whether Amazon’s workforce actually needed to be present for the discussion.
- Lawmakers’ Reaction: Members of the committee were left without a direct voice from the tech powerhouse.
Why It Matters
While this might seem like a minor administrative hiccup, it underscores a growing tension between big tech companies and European regulators. The employer debate touches on everything from gig‑worker rights to corporate accountability, making each appearance—or lack thereof—quite significant.
Looking Ahead
Amazon will likely address the oversight in the next parliamentary cycle, but whether it’s ready to dive into the deep end of labor policy remains to be seen. For now, the tech titan sits in the wings, hoping once more to step into the spotlight.
Amazon’s EU Parliament Slam‑dance: A No‑Show Edition
Once again, the tech titan that’s notorious for delivering packages faster than a Bluetooth connection found itself on the cold side of the European Parliament’s doors. The Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) had been keeping a hawk‑eye on the company’s workplace conditions, and after withdrawing Amazon’s access badges in February last year, the committee demanded a proper grilling of senior management. The result? Amazon missed the mark again.
What Went Down?
- The Parliament’s precondition for allowing Amazon into its premises is a live hearing—no S—no P, all or nothing.
- Previously, Amazon had failed to attend a swing‑by of hearings and factory visits in 2021 and 2023, dragging its badge ban into sharper focus.
- Amazon had promised to bring two Europe‑based vice‑presidents, instead of the requested Senior Vice President Russell Grandinetti, to the committee.
- The committee, never one to compromise, rejected the replacement and marched on with the hearing—Amazon check‑in left to the side.
Amazon’s Response
“We were feeling rather disappointed,” the Amazon spokesperson confessed. “We’re all set to talk about our European operations and how we’re setting the gold standard for a safe, modern work environment in logistics. Unfortunately, we’re short‑changed by the committee’s refusal.”
Trying to Make a Diplomatic Pitch
In an email that found its way to Roberta Metsola, the President of the Parliament, Amazon suggested a workaround: arrange a face‑to‑face with David Zapolsky, Senior Vice President for Global Affairs & Legal. The goal? Talk about broader policy matters that might hold interest for the Parliament, from Washington, with hopes that a fresh perspective might swing the mood.
Takeaway: A Grapple Worth the Wait
At the end of the day, Amazon’s expedition to regain its European Parliament credence remains mid‑flight. While the company keeps pitching its positive contributions, the committee’s stance stays firm—no committee meeting means no access. It’s a classic case of an audit‑and‑or‑outrun where the serverless cloud of corporate compliance occasionally needs a candid conversation.
EU contracts
Amazon Under Fire: EU Calls Out Uncooperative Behavior
Union Voice:
America’s “Unwelcome Guest” at EU Town Hall
- UNI Europa Regional Secretary Oliver Roethig said, “Amazon must face consequences for such uncooperative behaviour towards our democratic institutions.”
- He demanded that all EU institutional contracts with Amazon and its subsidiaries be made public.
- He called for these contracts to be suspended pending a review, with a plan to terminate any that breach EU procurement laws or ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
Parliamentarians Join the Chorus
- Lawmaker Liesbeth Sommen (Belgium/EPP) echoed the sentiment, “We should keep the ban—it’s not okay that the management is not present, and there’s no respect for our house.”
- French representative Laila Chaibi (France/GUE-NGL) urged for a complete cessation of contracts with Amazon.
NGOs Throw Fire Under the Hood
- Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO), LobbyControl, and SOMO pushed for tougher measures.
- Bram Vranken, a CEO researcher, said, “Amazon’s repeated disregard for democratic scrutiny should get alarm bells ringing. It’s clear the company should not regain its lobby badges, and MEPs should stop meeting with a company that clearly does not want to play by the rules.”
Euronews Insights:
Despite revoking Amazon’s access badges, the company managed to secure at least 66 meetings with lawmakers about technology legislation — a fact that has raised eyebrows across Brussels.