Amazon India: An Unforgettable Experience of Hardship and Survival

Introduction:

I started working at Amazon India in 2011 and left shortly after the holiday season. My experience, like that of many workers in fulfillment centers, was temporary and often lacked the necessary skill level. Founded by the renowned entrepreneur, Jeff Bezos, Amazon India was both a challenge and a survival endeavor.

Temporary Employment in a Challenging Field

The nature of my employment at Amazon India was mostly temporary. Finding stable work in my region was challenging, and I needed to earn a living after being laid off from my previous job. During my time there, I earned a modest ten to twelve dollars per hour, performing essential tasks such as receiving and packaging orders.

Heat Wave: A Test of Survival

One of the most unforgettable experiences during my time at Amazon India was a brutal heat wave that struck the fulfillment center in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. This summer period was marked by extreme temperatures, and the conditions were unbearable. The lack of air conditioning (AC) in the warehouses, despite it being a common practice in areas like Arizona, was a stark reality. Consequently, company policies were made to deal with such extreme heat.

Instead of a ten-minute break between work hours in the oppressive heat, we were given a meager extra five minutes in both our morning and afternoon breaks. Clearly, the management, famously known for being cost-cutters, was not prioritizing the well-being of their employees. Frankly, it was a badge of courage to even be offered these limited breaks. To make matters worse, we were expected to continue performing tasks in conditions that were health-threatening.

Response to the Heat Wave

In response to this extreme heat, fans were eventually installed in the warehouses in hot locations, such as mine. Additionally, free Gatorade was made available to help deal with the heat. These measures, however inadequate, were seen as a lucky break.

Unfortunately, the heat took its toll on many employees, including one of my friends and 14 others, who suffered from heat-related symptoms. They were promptly taken to the hospital where they received medical care, a service paid for by private ambulance companies. The presence of paramedics outside the fulfillment centers during the heatwave was an alarming indication of the severity of the situation. This was a surreal and deeply concerning experience for all involved.

Concluding Thoughts

While my time at Amazon India was undoubtedly challenging and often difficult, it was a necessary evil to keep the family fed. The extreme conditions and the lack of basic amenities were a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many workers. Though not everyone may have had the same experience, it is clear that Amazon India, while innovative and influential, is not the most perfect company in the world.

However, the story of my experience is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the toughest of conditions, there is a will to survive and adapt. My journey at Amazon India, although fraught with hardship, has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional life.