Surveillance and Inequality in Amazon and Walmart Warehouses: A Call for Corporate and Legislative Reform

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon and Walmart utilize extensive surveillance and oppressive control measures in their warehouses, disproportionately affecting women and BIPOC workers.
  • Both companies benefit from business models that perpetuate racial and class inequalities, compromising worker health, safety, and well-being.
  • The article calls for both corporations to align their policies with human rights obligations and for the government to legislate protective measures for workers.

What It Says

The Oxfam report examines the invasive surveillance and management practices in Amazon and Walmart’s warehouses, highlighting how these measures are leveraged against their workforce, particularly impacting women and BIPOC individuals.

By exploring the intersection of technology, corporate power, and worker rights, the report reveals the extensive costs of convenience at these major corporations. It urges a reevaluation of corporate practices and governmental oversight to ensure the protection and fair treatment of warehouse workers.

We imagine you can see that AI is a cornerstone capability of this level of surveillance.

Our Take

You knew they were watching. We all know nobody is watching the watchers.

Citation

Oxfam America. “At Work and Under Watch.” Oxfam America, 10 April 2024. Oxfam America.