Amazon France will keep its warehouses closed until 8 May 2020 inclusive. This is already the second time that the e-commerce giant is extending the closure period, fearing a fine for non-compliance.
At the same time, the labour ministry has decided to refuse the request for short-time working made by the American group for its French sites.
“Unfortunately, we are considering temporarily suspending activity in our French distribution centres until 8 May inclusive” Amazon France told Reuters on 4 May.
A few days ago, Amazon had already extended the closure of its 6 warehouses in France until May 5 following the decision of the Court of Appeal of Versailles.
The distribution centres have been suspended since 15 April by order of the Nanterre court.
Seized by the Syndicat Sud-Solidaires, the court forces Amazon to limit itself to the delivery of food, hygiene and health products. Amazon is liable to a fine of one million euros for each day it is late.
Fearing “accidental handling” of unauthorized products, Jeff Bezos’ group has decided to temporarily close its warehouses. Orders are still being processed from other Amazon European warehouses.
Labour Ministry Refuses Amazon’s Request For Short-Time Work
Under these conditions, Amazon has applied for short-time working for its 6 sites in France.
The multinational’s request quickly triggered the anger of the unions, considering that “this approach is absolutely indecent”.
In a press release addressed to the ministry, the trade unions recalled that Amazon “chose to temporarily close its warehouses”.
On Monday, 4 May, the ministry of labour therefore refused the request for partial unemployment.
“The response was negative, because the closure of the company’s sites is not linked to a drop in activity but to a court decision. And short-time working is not intended for that purpose” explained the office of the Minister of Labour, Muriel Pénicaud. Amazon has not yet reacted to the rejection of her request.
