McEwen’s dad and mom allege that the e-commerce large, in addition to a building firm and actual property developer related to the power that skilled vital structural injury after it was struck by an EF-3 twister on December 10, 2021, did not train affordable care to guard employees like their son from sustaining accidents or loss of life.
Through the press convention, held over Zoom, Alice McEwen, Austin’s mom and the administrator of his property, mentioned Amazon opted to not evacuate employees from the power in a well timed method because it sought to maintain them fulfilling orders.
“It seems that Amazon positioned income first throughout this vacation season as an alternative of the protection of our son and the opposite 5 households who misplaced family members,” she mentioned.
In an announcement to CNN Enterprise Monday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel mentioned the corporate will defend towards the lawsuit whereas including that Amazon’s “focus continues to be on supporting our staff and companions, the households who misplaced family members, the encompassing group, and all these affected by the tornadoes.”
Nantel mentioned the “lawsuit misunderstands key information, such because the distinction between numerous kinds of extreme climate and twister alerts, in addition to the situation and security of the constructing.” She additionally famous that whereas extreme climate watches are widespread within the space, it’s not typical for companies to close down operations in anticipation of extreme storms.
Requested whether or not some employees like McEwen have been directed to hunt shelter in a toilet, Amazon declined to remark past its assertion.
Jack Casciato, accomplice at Clifford Legislation Workplaces, instructed CNN Enterprise Monday: “Whilst early as December 9, it was very clear that this space of Southwestern Illinois might be liable to a twister and the warning intensified all through the day.”
“The query Amazon must reply is: ‘Why have been these employees current at this facility?'” Casciato mentioned.
