Attacked by the French judiciary this week, Amazon has rightly decided to take a stand.
The opening shot came on Tuesday when a French judge ordered Amazon to suspend its sale and delivery of all goods except those that fall under food, medical, and hygiene parameters. Responding to a lawsuit from a union representing Amazon workers, the judge ruled that the firm had failed to ensure the adequate coronavirus-related safety of its staff. He then ruled that any breach of his order would result in a $1.1 million fine “per day and per violation.”
This is just another left-wing attack on a company that the French Left despises for two reasons. First, because it is American. Second, because Amazon is more successful than its French competitors. And if the French Left and the political class hate anything, it’s the success of American capitalism on its great nation’s soil. Today, sadly, France has more sympathy for Chinese Communist Party investments.
Yet the true absurdity of this ruling is its assumption of moral leadership paired with obvious immorality. The French, now in lockdown, have never needed companies such as Amazon and their native Cdiscount more. And yes, their workers might face added risk by staying at work during the pandemic, but their actions are providing immeasurable help to their fellow citizens. Amazon admits as much and has taken precautions to mitigate coronavirus risks. This includes the employment of surveillance officers to ensure social distancing is occurring.
But the company also recognizes that it cannot simply take this ruling lying down. To do so would be to allow for the ever-increasing encroachment of the immensely powerful French regulatory state on its operations, stifling its viability.
That’s why Amazon’s response — suspending all warehouse operations until next week with the possibility of a further extension — is the right call. It’s a perfect riposte to the court and the French government. By suspending operations entirely, Amazon is gambling that the public uproar over a lockdown without delivery services will compel the government, the unions, and the judiciary to make an about-face.
Of course, French unions are some of the most powerful on Earth. So Amazon may yet lose here. Still, this is the right response. The company is providing a critical service during a time of great need. It deserves better than the ignorant prejudice of France’s elite.
