In a striking display of internal resistance, more than 1,000 Amazon employees have signed an open letter urging the company’s leadership to reconsider the pace and direction of its ambitious AI expansion. The document, published on November 26, expresses deep concern over the environmental, social, and ethical implications of the current AI rollout.
This employee-led action comes at a critical time, following Amazon’s earlier announcement of 14,000 corporate job cuts and amid a broader wave of layoffs across the global technology sector.
Key Employee Concerns: Climate, Labour, and Surveillance
The letter outlines three specific areas of concern that employees believe require immediate attention from the company leadership.
Environmental Impact
The signatories highlight a widening gap between Amazon’s stated climate commitments and its operational decisions. While the company has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, workers note that emissions have risen 35% since 2019.
Further, the company’s planned $150 billion investment in AI data centres raises concerns about water consumption, energy use, and the potential reliance on fossil-fuel-based power sources.
Workforce Stability and Fair Treatment
Employees draw attention to CEO Andy Jassy’s statement suggesting that Amazon’s future will rely less on human labour as AI tools scale across departments. They argue that this shift has already resulted in:
- Increased performance pressures
- Reduced timelines
- Mandatory participation in AI-driven initiatives
- Insufficient investment in employee upskilling
Warehouse workers report significant consequences, including heightened surveillance, work speedups, burnout, and injury rates.
Ethical Use of AI and Surveillance Technology
The letter raises serious claims about the company’s role in military technology, mass surveillance practices, and alleged links to deportation systems. Employees warn that Amazon, along with other major tech firms, has actively lobbied to block state-level regulation of artificial intelligence for the next decade.
Employee Appeal for Responsible AI Development
The signatories assert that, as creators and operators of Amazon’s AI systems, they have a responsibility to intervene. They propose three core commitments for the company:
- No AI powered by unsustainable or harmful energy sources
- Transparent processes that include employee voices
- A strict refusal to build or deploy AI tools for violence, surveillance, or deportation
The letter continues to gather signatures through amazonclimatejustice.org, which ensures the confidentiality of contributors.
A Turning Point for the Future of Work
This collective action reflects a broader discourse on the ethical boundaries of AI, the future of employment, and corporate responsibility. As technology rapidly evolves, Amazon’s employees are urging the leadership to adopt a more measured and accountable approach—one that safeguards both people and the planet.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information, employee statements, and referenced reports. It aims to present verified facts and balanced perspectives for journalistic and informational purposes.
Paban Kotoky, an MCA by qualification, serves as the Technical Head & Contributor at NestOfNews.com. He manages the overall technical operations of the platform and also contributes regularly, sharing his expertise on technology and emerging digital trends.