For Immediate Release

Today, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals revived Amazon workers’ COVID-19 safety claims at its JFK8 facility in Staten Island.

Derrick Palmer, a plaintiff in the case, released the following statement:

“I’m thrilled the Court agreed that I and other Amazon workers in New York have the right to demand basic workplace protections. We will continue the fight to ensure that we don’t have to fear for our safety at work – due to COVID-19 or anything else”

The legal team representing the workers and members of their households released the following statement in response to today’s decision:

“The Second Circuit correctly rejected the district court’s dismissal of our clients’ claims, upholding their right to move forward to ensure a safe workplace at the JFK8 facility.

“Today’s decision sends a strong message to Amazon and other employers that companies have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. As Amazon workers approach the grueling holiday peak season, this ruling affirms their power to vindicate their rights through the court and hold employers like Amazon accountable for maintaining their safety practices.

“Since we filed this suit two years ago, Amazon workers continue to face threats to their health and safety – from the COVID-19 pandemic to fires to large-scale natural disasters to brutal work quotas. Despite these dangers, Amazon continues to operate its business as usual, placing profit over people’s lives.

“We are proud to represent the brave workers in this case as they continue to stand up to Amazon and demand policies that protect them and their communities.”

-The legal team in Palmer v. Amazon: Make the Road New York, Public Justice, Terrell Marshall Law Group, and Towards Justice

Contact: Lucy Sears
(240) 676-4499 | lsears@publicjustice.net