Amazon Warehouse Workers at Chicago’s DCH1 Delivery Station to Walk Off Job After Positive COVID-19 Case Reported

Workers to demand closure of facility, transparency about new positive cases

Chicago — Amazon warehouse workers with worker organization DCH1 Amazonians United will walk off the job at the DCH1 delivery station in Chicago today to demand safe working conditions and a two week closure of the warehouse after a worker at the facility tested positive for COVID-19. Workers want Amazon to do more than minor spot-cleanings, which do not guarantee a safe and healthy work environment for the critical employees working at the warehouse or their families and communities.

WHO: DCH1 Amazonians United

WHAT: Amazon Warehouse Workers Walk Out for Safety

WHEN: Friday, April 3rd, 8pm

WHERE: Amazon DCH1 Delivery Station 2801 S Western, Chicago, IL 60608

LIVESTREAM: DCH1 United / Warehouse Workers for Justice

While workers are concerned about safety at the warehouse, they are also concerned about the warehouse becoming a vector for community spread of the virus. “I’m striking because I don’t want anyone’s blood on my hands.” said Bekim Mehmedi, member of DCH1 Amazonians United. Workers also cite the lack of transparency surrounding infections as a serious workplace safety and public health issue and are demanding warehouse management inform workers of positive COVID-19 tests as soon as they are known.

Tonight’s Chicago action is happening the same week as Amazon worker walkouts in New York and in Michigan as national pressure grows for Amazon to address its failure to keep workers, families, and communities safe.

DCH1 Amazonians United Demand the Following from Domonic Wilkerson, Site Lead at Amazon Delivery Station DCH1:

1. Shut down the warehouse immediately for 2 weeks, with pay, to stop the spread of Coronavirus and to thoroughly disinfect the entire facility.

2. Implement ongoing safety measures and stock necessary cleaning supplies.

3. Cover all medical bills for associates that contract coronavirus, including family members who get infected from associate exposure to the virus at Amazon.

4. Stop processing all non-essential items through DCH1.

5. Suspend all rate-based write-ups, and reduce rate so that the work can be done safely while social distancing.

6. Provide paid medical leave to all associates who must self-quarantine due to government mandate, medical issues, or who must care for vulnerable loved ones.

7. Communicate transparently for all coronavirus-related issues at DCH1 and inform ALL DCH1 associates of related issues AS SOON AS THE INFORMATION IS KNOWN.

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