Amazon whistleblower contact info?
December 1, 2011 4:12 PM Subscribe
Amazon employees: is there a whistleblower contact number or otherwise? (Asking for an ex-employee friend)
I have a friend that worked in an Amazon owned distribution center, brought some (what she called "corruption") issues up with her management, and then management's management and was then let go that week without those issues being resolved.
She's in an at-will state, so it's not about personal recourse, but she was upset enough at what was going on that I'd love to give her some avenue to know she did what she could to make sure bad things don't continue in a constructive, positive way and let Amazon sort it out for themselves.
I know from working at other large, public companies that often there's a tip line/information line for employees to provide "see something/say something" info to corporate. However, because of her former role and location, she didn't have much of the corporate information. And Googling anything "Amazon" brings up employment books listed on Amazon rather than employee info.
Anyone know of a resource like this for Amazon employees/former employees so that if there is something not-all-right Amazon will be able to look into it?
(For what it's worth: I truly believe she's got the best intentions in mind and is not out for revenge/blood. She's mentioned how much she loves working for Amazon every time I've talked to her since she started working there and brought up some of the issues with me along the way.)
I have a friend that worked in an Amazon owned distribution center, brought some (what she called "corruption") issues up with her management, and then management's management and was then let go that week without those issues being resolved.
She's in an at-will state, so it's not about personal recourse, but she was upset enough at what was going on that I'd love to give her some avenue to know she did what she could to make sure bad things don't continue in a constructive, positive way and let Amazon sort it out for themselves.
I know from working at other large, public companies that often there's a tip line/information line for employees to provide "see something/say something" info to corporate. However, because of her former role and location, she didn't have much of the corporate information. And Googling anything "Amazon" brings up employment books listed on Amazon rather than employee info.
Anyone know of a resource like this for Amazon employees/former employees so that if there is something not-all-right Amazon will be able to look into it?
(For what it's worth: I truly believe she's got the best intentions in mind and is not out for revenge/blood. She's mentioned how much she loves working for Amazon every time I've talked to her since she started working there and brought up some of the issues with me along the way.)
Yeah, if it is internal, email Bezos. If it is a legal matter, contact your state's Attorney General.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:23 PM on December 1, 2011
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:23 PM on December 1, 2011
According to Amazon's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics:
posted by argonauta at 4:44 PM on December 1, 2011
The Amazon.com Legal Department has developed and maintains reporting guidelines for employees who wish to report violations of the Code of Conduct. These guidelines include information on making reports to the Legal Department and to an independent third party. Please see the reporting guidelines for information and instructions. Amazon.com will not allow retaliation against an employee for reporting misconduct by others in good faith.Those reporting guidelines don't appear to be on that website, but if this is the way she wants to proceed, I recommend she contact the legal department to request them. The Investor Relations office can likely transfer her over to legal; the General Counsel's name is Michelle Wilson.
posted by argonauta at 4:44 PM on December 1, 2011
Best answer: Amazon.com Legal Dept:
206-266-4064
There is also an Amazon.com Ethics Line, which your friend can get from legal.
posted by ariela at 5:14 PM on December 1, 2011
206-266-4064
There is also an Amazon.com Ethics Line, which your friend can get from legal.
posted by ariela at 5:14 PM on December 1, 2011
Best answer: Former Amazon intern here. At least as of a couple years ago, there was an ethics hotline for employees run by a third-party service (it was discussed in the same web-based training that taught me not to sexually harass my colleagues and that I wasn't allowed to hire my uncle without checking with my manager first). Googling around, it looks like this service is available online through AlertLine, but I would confirm that through official channels.
posted by zachlipton at 5:37 PM on December 1, 2011
posted by zachlipton at 5:37 PM on December 1, 2011
FWIW - Amazon has a known history of treating employees extremely badly
posted by Poet_Lariat at 7:36 PM on December 1, 2011
posted by Poet_Lariat at 7:36 PM on December 1, 2011
Here's the full article that Poet_Lariat's link is alluding to. It was a major expose that caused quite a stir, and I recommend you read it.
posted by intermod at 8:03 PM on December 1, 2011
posted by intermod at 8:03 PM on December 1, 2011
Response by poster: I've read the article. This is more structural/managerial corruption than just poor working conditions.
In fact, when I sent my friend that article, she said, "Yep. That's true. But they make it sound worse than it is. It's awesome to (string of terms like 'inducting' that I don't understand in box packing talk)."
posted by Gucky at 8:09 PM on December 1, 2011
In fact, when I sent my friend that article, she said, "Yep. That's true. But they make it sound worse than it is. It's awesome to (string of terms like 'inducting' that I don't understand in box packing talk)."
posted by Gucky at 8:09 PM on December 1, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by evariste at 4:20 PM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]