First agreement between Amazon and trade unions on permits, leave and video surveillance

Amazon has reached its first agreement with Italian trade unions regarding leave policies, parental leave rights, and the use of video surveillance, marking a historic milestone in labor relations within the company’s operations in Italy. The deal was signed by Amazon Italia Transport and Amazon Italia Logistica, two divisions of the global tech giant, and covers all 57 sites across the country. This agreement, which applies nationally, represents the first time in the world that Amazon has entered into national-level collective agreements with trade unions, according to Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, and Uiltrasporti, the three main union organizations involved. The agreement outlines clear guidelines for the use of video surveillance, ensuring that new technologies are applied correctly and that images collected are not used for disciplinary purposes. Additionally, the terms include more favorable conditions for workers compared to legal requirements, particularly concerning leave entitlements. Workers will have access to additional benefits such as solidarity leave, allowing them to take time off collectively for shared reasons. Parental leave can now be taken even based on a single hour of work, offering greater flexibility for parents. The agreement also includes provisions related to serious illnesses, guaranteeing employees who experience absences due to health issues receive full pay for up to 18 months. This ensures continued financial support during periods of medical absence. Furthermore, both Amazon divisions have signed the general sector contract, known as the Ccnl logistica, transporte merci e spedizione, which governs working conditions in logistics, transportation, and shipping sectors. A key element of the agreement is the establishment of local-level negotiations, enabling discussions on site-specific issues. This approach allows for tailored solutions while maintaining overarching standards. The unions emphasized that this agreement marks a natural evolution from the historical industrial relations protocol signed in 2021, reinforcing protections, rights, and participation for all Amazon workers in Italy. Looking ahead, the parties plan to reconvene between September and October to address further topics, including regulatory and economic matters. These ongoing dialogues aim to continue improving workplace conditions and addressing emerging challenges faced by employees. The agreement reflects a growing commitment to collaborative labor practices, setting a precedent for future negotiations and potentially influencing broader industry trends.