5 Seconds Bad Parking

I worked at the Amazon warehouse in my town. I was there for 2 months as a seasonal employee to cover the Covid-19 crisis. 

I was fired yesterday for a 5 second parking error. I had no idea breaking a couple parking lot rules could lead to immediate termination, with no warning or suspension. A couple days ago, I did a rolling stop, was traveling at about 15 miles an hour, and briefly drove the wrong way the arrow was pointing for maybe 10 feet. Just so i could get one of the very few spots in the shade, since I always ate lunch in my car. I saw on the previous employee website a snippet on the fear based culture of amazon. I think that sums it up best. I never felt part of a family like all my other jobs. I would rush to work to avoid points on my account so i wouldn't be fired. I was always wary of what the managers were doing, and worked hard to avoid any negative attention. 

While amazon says it supports people living with a mental illness, I never felt supported. I've had some problems for 11 years. All they offer is a generic counseling service. After I was fired yesterday, I filed an hr case, mentioning the severe depression I went though after I was fired. I was called by the hr rep who fired me yesterday. He just wanted to make sure I wasn't losing my marbles and offered the generic counseling again. Thankfully I have a psychiatrist, counsellor and supportive friends and family. 

Amazon never once, not even in a sneaky legal document, stated I could be fired over a parking error. Something that did NOT even take place at work, on their time! HR said they take safety very seriously. If that is the case, they should fire the people who stand right next to people, and pick up their stuff! that's what's serious.

For one of the wealthiest companies on the planet, Amazon has the worst communication, that is their primary problem. 

I am moving forward, and not dwelling on Amazons problems, yes I made one mistake, but these are people's lives. We are not a transaction, we are people, we have a voice, and we will NOT BE SILENT! Amazon, you have a duty to your employees, treat them like family. 

I will end by saying thank you for this interface. And how can someone avoid being fired if they don't know the rules!? I am moving forward and not dwelling on the past, or amazons plethora of flaws. 

You all have a voice, you are all strong, and you can all recover from the crimes of Amazon.

Goodbye amazon, you've let one more person down. 

Hello future, hello freedom!