Amazon Accused of Discriminating Against Disabled Workers Through AI and Policy Failures

Amazon Faces Disability Rights Allegations Over AI Use and Workplace Policies

More than 200 disabled corporate employees at Amazon have raised serious concerns about the company's use of artificial intelligence in handling accommodation requests and its adherence to disability rights laws. In a detailed 33-page letter addressed to Amazon executives, including CEO Andy Jassy, the employees allege violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and criticize workplace practices that hinder disability inclusion.

The letter claims that accommodation requests are often processed through “automated” or “semi-automated” systems, leading to denials without meaningful dialogue or clear explanations. Additionally, employees voiced worries over return-to-office mandates affecting disabled workers who were previously allowed to work remotely.

Accommodation Requests and Workplace Accessibility Issues

According to the letter, employees requesting accommodations face barriers such as ignored requests or denials via automated systems. Internal polling cited in the letter reveals that 93% of respondents with disabilities felt current policies had negatively affected them. Moreover, 71% reported over half of their accommodation requests were denied or left unaddressed, and 92% pointed to a lack of an accessible accommodation process.

Deleted Slack Posts and Petition Removal

Employees also reported that discussions and a petition about disability and accessibility were removed from an internal Slack channel. Screenshots provided to The Guardian support these claims. One organizer of disabled staff said they were fired during interviews about the story and had their Slack access revoked, which prevented them from coordinating labor activities protected under the National Labor Relations Act.

This worker emailed senior Amazon managers, accusing the company of violating federal labor laws. The incident reportedly created fear among other disabled employees about participating in organizing efforts.

Amazon's Response

Amazon acknowledged deleting Slack messages, stating they violated company policy on solicitation. The company denied retaliating against employees involved in labor organizing. A spokesperson emphasized Amazon’s respect for employees’ rights to organize and stated the company does not discriminate or retaliate for such activities.

Regarding accommodation requests, Amazon rejected claims that AI is used in processing them. The company said its disability and leave services team handles accommodations with empathy, not through automated systems. Amazon also questioned the validity of the employees’ internal survey, calling it an external poll of an unverified group.

Calls for Policy Reforms

The employees’ letter concludes with a strong warning: systemic discrimination, retaliation, and policy failures at Amazon violate the ADA, damage trust, harm employee health, and undermine the company’s integrity. They demand immediate reforms to create a truly inclusive workplace and protect employee rights.

Context and Previous Legal Challenges

• Amazon promotes itself as a top employer for disability inclusion, supported by a nonprofit it funds.
• Despite this, Amazon faces ongoing lawsuits, including a 2024 case involving a deaf warehouse employee denied a sign language interpreter.
• In 2023, a former employee alleged retaliation after advocating for remote work amid return-to-office policies.
• The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has also addressed similar disputes, including a 2024 complaint against Apple related to suppression of labor organizing on Slack. That case was postponed indefinitely in March 2025.

For HR professionals, these developments highlight the importance of transparent, accessible accommodation processes and careful handling of employee communications about workplace rights. Ensuring compliance with disability laws and fostering trust are critical to maintaining a fair workplace.