Amazon workers protest changes to paid time off policy

Amazon workers are protesting the retail giant’s decision to end the unlimited unpaid-time-off program it has provided during the coronavirus outbreak.

The online retail giant announced Friday that starting May 1st, workers not directly affected by COVID-19 whose work requires physical presence — primarily warehouse workers — will either have to come to work or request a leave of absence.

The company also announced it would be extending $2-per-hour hazard pay through May 16.

Difficult choice: Workers say the possibility of losing benefits will force them to choose between protecting their and their family’s health and potentially losing their jobs.

“I’m one of the people that is very anxious about this reduction of unlimited unpaid time off,” Rachel Belz, a worker at an Amazon fulfillment center in New Jersey, said on a call with reporters Monday.

Belz has been staying home since late March out of fear of spreading the disease to high risk individuals she lives with or her son.

“Because what that means is you basically have to choose between your job and getting your family sick,” she added.