Amazon’s labor practices are dealing with political scrutiny following a twister that collapsed a warehouse and killed six folks in Edwardsville, Illinois final December. The New York Times notes the House Committee on Oversight and Reform has launched an investigation into Amazon’s practices in extreme climate situations. Committee chair Rep. Carolyn Maloney in addition to member Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush are fearful about studies Amazon pressured workers to work at and across the Illinois facility regardless of the twister menace, jeopardizing the protection of workers and contractors.

After the collapse, studies emerged that Amazon supervisors threatened to fireside or in any other case punish employees in the event that they left to take shelter. One contracted driver, as an example, was informed to maintain delivering packages or danger dropping her job. The representatives additionally identified earlier issues, equivalent to employees being made to remain by way of two days of air high quality warnings throughout California’s November 2018 wildfires.

Maloney, Ocasio-Cortez and Bush despatched a letter to Amazon chief Andy Jassy requesting communications and paperwork surrounding the Illinois collapse. They additionally requested for paperwork protecting firings or different self-discipline across the time of seven labor incidents, together with at Bessemer, Alabama and Staten Island, New York warehouses the place employees have tried to affix unions. Amazon has till April 14th to reply.

Amazon did not immediately deal with the letter in a press release to The Times. Spokeswoman Kelly Nantel informed the newspaper the corporate would reply the letter “in due course” however that its focus was on supporting “all those affected by the tornadoes.”

The House investigation will not essentially lead to laws or different actions requiring Amazon and different firms to raised shield employees in excessive climate. It could draw extra consideration to Amazon’s labor insurance policies, although, and comes quickly after senators started an investigation into probably unlawful terminations for workers who took break day. Amazon is beneath shut watch, and it is unlikely to get a break any time quickly.