Amazon Workers Face Internal Probe After Pushing Seattle to Crack Down on Data Centers
Three Amazon software engineers claim they are under internal investigation for advocating at a Seattle City Council meeting for stricter data center regulations, citing concerns about environmental impacts like electricity and water usage. They have filed a complaint with Seattle's Office for Civil Rights, alleging unlawful retaliation. Following public comments, including those from the employees, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction.
Three Amazon software engineers, Patrick Schloesser, Darius Irani, and Liesel Wigand, have filed a complaint with Seattle's Office for Civil Rights, alleging unlawful retaliation by Amazon. The dispute arose after the engineers, speaking as members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, publicly urged the Seattle City Council to implement stronger environmental regulations for data centers, citing concerns over electricity use, water consumption, and the broader impact of AI infrastructure.
Following their public appearances, the employees claim Amazon initiated an internal investigation into whether they improperly represented the company, with one engineer, Schloesser, stating he was told dismissal was possible. Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan denied retaliation, asserting the investigation focuses on how employees represented themselves rather than their expressed views. The company maintains it does not tolerate retaliation and currently has no plans to dismiss the employees.
The engineers dispute Amazon's position, arguing they exercised their right to civic participation without claiming to represent the company. Their legal adviser, Abby Lawlor, emphasizes Seattle's strong protections against workplace discrimination based on political beliefs. The complaint asks city officials to examine if Amazon's actions violate local civil rights laws.
In a related development, and following weeks of public comments including those from the Amazon employees, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved a one-year emergency moratorium on new data center construction. This temporary pause aims to allow officials time to develop permanent rules for future data center projects.