Over 1,000 Amazon employees have raised serious concerns about the company’s fast paced push into artificial intelligence, warning that its rapid AI rollout could have far-reaching consequences. The open letter comes amid widespread tech layoffs, including its announcement earlier this year to cut up to 14,000 corporate roles worldwide. Workers argue that Amazon’s approach to AI could threaten democracy, jobs, and the environment if left unchecked.
Published on November 26, the letter was signed by Amazon employees across multiple roles, including engineers, product managers, and warehouse staff. It also received support from over 2,400 workers at major tech firms such as Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google. The message opens with, “We, the undersigned employees, have serious concerns about this aggressive rollout during the global rise of authoritarianism and our most important years to reverse the climate crisis. We believe that the all costs justified, warp speed approach to AI development will do staggering damage to democracy, to our jobs, and to the earth.” Employees stress that because they directly build and use Amazon’s AI systems, they have a responsibility to speak out.
The letter outlines three major concerns with Amazon’s AI strategy. First, employees say Amazon is side-lining its climate goals while investing heavily in AI. Second, they argue that staff are being pressured to use AI even as the company prepares for a future where human roles may be drastically reduced. Third, Amazon is accused of enabling a more militarized surveillance environment with fewer protections for the public. The letter notes that although Amazon has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, its emissions have grown approximately 35% since 2019. Employees also criticize Amazon’s plans to spend $150 billion on new AI data centres, some in drought-affected areas or locations where energy demands may rely on coal or gas. The letter adds that Amazon opposed legislation requiring clean energy use in its facilities.
Concerns also cover working conditions and Amazon’s increasing role in surveillance. CEO Andy Jassy has said Amazon will integrate AI tools extensively and employ fewer humans, while staff report higher workloads, shorter deadlines, and limited career support. Warehouse employees face increased pressures, injuries, and burnout. The letter accuses Amazon of expanding surveillance in both facilities and products and highlights the company’s involvement in mass deportations from the US. Employees are demanding clear safeguards and three commitments: no AI built with dirty energy, no AI without employee voices, and no AI used for violence, surveillance, or deportation. The full open letter is available on a public website, where staff can sign anonymously.
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