Unions urge tougher EU sanctions on Amazon following missed hearing

Roethig called for accountability and urged Parliament to reinforce its position against corporate obstruction. "We demand accountability – and the European Parliament has already shown that it can deliver on it," he added.

In 2023, the European Parliament revoked lobby access for Amazon's representatives, making it only the second company after Monsanto to face such action. This decision followed demands from trade unions and civil society after Amazon missed a prior hearing. UNI Europa noted that this measure had "worked," prompting Amazon to re-engage with the committee following the 2024 European elections.

However, frustration resurfaced with Amazon's latest absence. "For the third time, Amazon has refused to cooperate with – and respect – the EU’s democratic institutions," Roethig wrote.

The hearing included testimonies from Oliver Roethig, Monika Di Silvestre of ver.di, Agata Wypiór of NSZZ Solidarność Amazon Poland, and Magda Malinowska of Workers’ Initiative trade union.

Roethig criticized Jeff Bezos' priorities: “As Jeff Bezos...makes his way to Venice on his 500 million dollars yacht for a 20 million dollars wedding, I consider it offensive that the company has refused to show up for the third time."

Di Silvestre addressed fear among German workers: “Amazon workers from Germany are not here today because they are afraid of their employer." She expressed concern over workers' rights globally.

Agata Wypiór highlighted low wages at Amazon Poland: “Imagine that an employee after 10 years of work gets around 6.42 euros per hour at Amazon.”

Several MEPs from various political groups supported maintaining restrictions on Amazon lobbyists' badges.