Amazon Shareholders Reject Oversight Proposals Amid AI and Climate Concerns

Amazon Shareholders Reject Oversight Proposals at Annual Meeting

Amazon’s annual shareholder meeting wrapped up virtually on Wednesday with all eight independent proposals rejected, including those seeking increased oversight of the company’s climate risks, AI practices, and warehouse working conditions. Although final vote counts will be released later this week, Amazon executives confirmed that none of the shareholder proposals secured enough support to pass.

In addition to rejecting these measures, shareholders re-elected all 12 board nominees, approved the company’s executive compensation plan in an advisory vote, and confirmed Ernst & Young as the company’s auditor for another term.

Shareholder Proposals on Climate, AI, and Worker Safety

The proposals, presented in Amazon’s proxy statement, called for:

• Expanded climate-related disclosures
• A third-party audit of warehouse working conditions
• Stronger board oversight of AI-related human rights risks
• A policy to ensure political neutrality in advertising

Proponents argued these measures were essential to safeguarding Amazon’s reputation and long-term value. However, the company’s board opposed all proposals, and none achieved majority backing. Detailed voting results will be made public in an SEC filing within the coming days.

CEO Andy Jassy Addresses AI Investment Concerns

During the meeting’s Q&A, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy defended the company’s AI strategy. He responded directly to concerns about reported cutbacks in AI investments, stating, “We have no plans to reduce our AI investment. So that’s not accurate.”

Jassy clarified that adjustments to the company’s data center expansion timing and pace are meant to better align with customer demand rather than represent a cutback in overall AI investment.

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