Activists paint mural outside Bezos’s DC home demanding safety for Amazon workers
Activists have painted a street mural outside of Jeff Bezos’s Washington, D.C., residence, demanding that the Amazon CEO provide better protection of his company’s workers amid the coronavirus crisis.
The mural is painted in red and yellow and reads “Protect Amazon workers,” while images of workers wearing protective masks are illustrated above the words.
It’s finished. pic.twitter.com/2CUfWbYyxV
— Marissa J. Lang (@Marissa_Jae) April 29, 2020
Law enforcement was present throughout the process, ensuring the space was clear for nine people to create the mural, all while wearing personal protective equipment and remaining 6 feet apart.
Spectators on the scene reported no movement from Bezos’s residence, as the activist painters finished their protest illustration in nearly one hour.
Workers in essential businesses such as Amazon have voiced complaints of inadequate treatment during the coronavirus pandemic, leading to strikes and protests throughout the country.
Employees at a number of companies have demanded hazard pay, more available protective equipment and better health care.
More than 130 Amazon facilities have reported at least one employee testing positive for the coronavirus.
The company has addressed some of the concerns raised by employees, such as a pledge to increase facility cleaning protocols and enforcing social distancing for workers. Amazon also said it has distributed more than 100 million face masks, an additional 34 million gloves and more than 31,000 thermometers, in addition to other steps.
Workers from Amazon, Walmart and Target are among those planning a walkout on Friday to protest safety standards at businesses across the nation.
Updated on April 30 at 4:32 p.m.
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