Amazon worker fired over sick leave challenges dismissal in court
At the Amazon logistics center in Winsen, Germany, a controversial dismissal has taken place. An employee, who accumulated up to 243 sick days over three years, was terminated at the end of April. The 36-year-old is now challenging this decision in the labor court in Lüneburg.
According to the newspaper "Landeszeitung Winsener," the employee had 60 absence days in 2022, 55 days in 2023, and as many as 128 days the year before. This year, 30 days have already been recorded.
Frustrated with the situation, the employer decided to terminate the contract. Interestingly, in most cases, Amazon had to cover the salary costs because the employee did not surpass the six-week limit after which the insurer takes over payments.
Dispute over working conditions
The employee contends that a foot injury, caused by having to cover long distances at work, was the main reason for his absence. His lawyer argues that the injury never properly healed because he was repeatedly moved between different positions.
Amazon disputes these claims, stating that at the Winsen logistics center, robots transport goods to employees, thus minimizing the need for walking.
According to "Landeszeitung Winsener," Judge Finn Altmüller observed that for older employees with long tenure, the requirements differ from those for new hires. Dismissal may be justified if there is a high likelihood of continued absences.
Settlement attempt
During mediation, Amazon offered 10,000 euros ($11,283) as compensation for the employee's departure. The employee, who earns about 3,000 euros ($3,385) monthly, demands 28,000 euros ($31,592), which equates to three months' salary for each year of work.
The judge notes that this demand is significantly higher than the standard half-salary per year of work. Ultimately, the parties did not reach an agreement and are scheduled to meet again in August for a court hearing.
