Catalonia Fines Amazon for Concealing Worker Productivity Monitoring Algorithm
The Generalitat de Catalunya fined Amazon 2,451 euros for refusing to disclose how an algorithm monitors worker productivity at its Barcelona-area logistics centre. Union delegates complained they were denied access to the algorithm's parameters, preventing workers from knowing in advance what standards they were being measured against.
What happened
The Generalitat de Catalunya imposed a fine of 2,451 euros on Amazon for failing to disclose the functioning of an algorithm that monitors the productivity of more than 2,000 employees at its logistics centre in El Prat de Llobregat near Barcelona.
The investigation followed a complaint by union safety delegates who were denied access to information about how the productivity algorithm determines worker performance. A workplace inspection was conducted in late 2024 by computer specialists from the Generalitat.
Reported impact
Workers reported being unable to know in advance what productivity standards they were being measured against. An employee stated that supervisors would tell workers they were not meeting the daily average without explaining what that average was or which parameters determined it.
The inspection identified several minor violations related to the algorithm's control over work schedules, rest times, and time allocation for bathroom breaks.
Index analysis
This is reportedly the first fine in Spain applied for lack of transparency regarding algorithms controlling labour relations in the digital economy.
Governance controls
Amazon has stated it will contest the decision through the courts, asserting that its use of digital tools complies with applicable regulations.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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