Amazon reached a settlement with California over claims the company concealed the numbers of COVID-19 cases at facilities within the state from workers and local health officials.
The state accused Amazon of violating right-to-know laws regarding the coronavirus that require companies to keep workers informed about the spread of COVID-19 and prevention methods used to mitigate exposure.
California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta said Amazon kept tens of thousands of warehouse workers and state agencies in the dark, leaving them unable to effectively track the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters.
Under the settlement, Amazon agreed to notify its California warehouse workers about the exact number of new COVID-19 cases in their workplaces within one day.
The company will also pay $500,000 to help enforce state consumer protection laws.
Despite settling with the state, Amazon didn’t admit any wrongdoing or liability on its part in the agreement, which still requires a judge’s approval.
Still facing lawsuit in NY
The company is also facing a lawsuit filed by New York regarding its treatment of workers in that state during the pandemic.
New York accused Amazon in February of failing to enforce health safety measures regarding COVID-19.
Amazon argued federal law pre-empted the state’s investigation into the allegations.
But the state accused Amazon of prioritizing its profits over the safety of its workers, citing two instances when the company improperly disciplined two employees who complained about working conditions.
In that case, New York is seeking a court-appointed safety monitor to keep tabs on Amazon and its treatment of workers in the state.
Amazon is currently appealing a judge’s refusal in October to dismiss the state’s lawsuit.
