Is a local storm warning making you feel nervous?
Traveling to work during extreme weather conditions can be dangerous. However, many people struggle through deep snow and storms rather than risk being fired. Fortunately, this may not be a problem if you work for Amazon. Like many major companies, there are specific rules in place to help protect employees at these times.
So, let’s take a closer look at the Amazon Inclement Weather Policy.
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What Is An Inclement Weather Policy?
The managers of Amazon fulfillment centers constantly monitor weather conditions in the area. If travel conditions become particularly dangerous, they can decide to close the facilities. This helps to ensure that employees will be able to get to and from work safely.
However, employees in some areas may find it more hazardous to get to work than others. If the fulfillment center remains open, the employee has to call the Human Resources department and explain the situation. Those who decide not to go to work when their fulfillment center is open will have to use their unpaid time off.
Limited time off
Employees are only issued twenty hours of unpaid time off per quarter. If you are unable to leave home because of heavy snow drifts, you may use some of these hours. However, this could quickly become an issue if you are forced to miss more than a couple of days of work. Fortunately, these unpaid time off hours are later reimbursed if an employee has a valid claim.
When Facilities Are Likely To Close
Managers of Amazon fulfillment centers are under a lot of pressure to meet certain production targets. Naturally, closing because of bad weather will make those targets harder to achieve. Therefore, many managers may be reluctant except in extreme circumstances.
A good example of this was during Hurricane Ida, which was a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane. When it hit on September 5, 2021, the streets of Louisiana flooded. While it was difficult and dangerous for many employees to get to work, the fulfillment center remained open.
When it’s your call…
However, the Inclement Weather Policy is more likely to be upheld during heavy snow or ice. At these times, employees are generally allowed to call into work and take time off. However, they will not be paid for missing their shift and so may be reluctant to take time off.
Refusing To Work During Bad Weather
Although you may be able to use your unpaid time off hours to skip work, your claim could be refused. If Human Resources tell employees to go to work, they are expected to comply. Deliberately missing a shift could land you in hot water.
Fortunately, there are specific laws protecting employees in most parts of the United States. These state that they have the right to refuse to work in certain circumstances. This includes when icy roads or heavy snow prevent them from traveling to work safely.
Check the state you live in…
As already seen, the easiest way for employees to get around this is by using their unpaid time off hours. Employees are also assigned a certain number each quarter. Using these is a good way to avoid missing a day’s pay. However, unlike unpaid time off hours, paid time off hours are not refunded.
Not all states grant employees the right to refuse to work in bad weather conditions. If you work in Arkansas, your manager has the right to terminate your employment for refusing to go to work. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the local labor laws to avoid this.
Amazon Inclement Weather Policy – Scheduling Time Off
If the fulfillment center you work at closes due to bad weather, you will be notified. In most cases, you will still be paid for the shift you missed. If you do not receive a notification, you should assume that it will still be open.
If you are unable to get to work, you must contact the Human Resources department. Your manager may decide to terminate you if you fail to do this. Make sure you call before the start of your shift and explain the situation clearly. You will then be asked if you want to use your paid or unpaid time off hours to cover your shift.
The Consequences Of Missing Work
In some states, you can get into serious trouble for missing work. To use your unpaid time off hours in the state of Arkansas, your manager has to agree.
If you refuse to show up for work, your supervisor can decide to terminate you. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on upcoming severe weather conditions. If you see that a hurricane is coming, it is best to talk with your supervisor in advance.
Work Safety
It is important to consider whether or not the fulfillment center you work in offers a safe working environment. Some managers are more likely to go the extra mile to make sure of this. They tend to close when weather conditions make traveling to and from work unsafe.
In other cases, managers may decide to stay open at all costs. Even during extreme conditions, they are more likely to reject the requests of employees to miss work.
It’s all about location…
Depending on the state, fulfillment centers operate a bit differently from others. Therefore, it is a good idea to read reviews from current and former employees before accepting a job. While some centers have excellent safety records, this is not the case with others.
So, You Want To Work For Amazon?
Well, that’s great news! But before you apply, find out more about the company and its work ethic starting with the Amazon HR Policy, and for taking leave, check out the Amazon VTO Policy, the Amazon UPT Policy, and the Amazon Vacation Policy for 2023.
Next, find out more about the Amazon Mandatory Overtime Policy and if there’s been a loss in your family, the Amazon Bereavement Policy, as well as the Amazon Transfer Policy. Finally, you might want to know Does Amazon Give Bonuses, along with Does Amazon Give Raises?
Now we move on to the application process with our in-depth guide to the Amazon Application, and once that’s done, you’ll receive a notification which is why you’ll need to know What Does Amazon Jobs Application Under Construction Mean? Please check Does Amazon Hire Felons and the Amazon Background Check Policy if you’ve run into some trouble in the past.
Amazon Inclement Weather Policy – Final Thoughts
As part of Amazon’s Inclement Weather Policy, the managers of fulfillment centers monitor weather conditions. If a bad storm is on the way, they may decide to close. However, the chances of this happening are generally fairly low.
Instead, you have the option of using your paid or unpaid time off hours to cover your shift. It is important to make sure you call the Human Resources department at Amazon and explain the situation. If you refuse to go to work when your supervisor insists, you may run the risk of losing your job.
Whether you choose to go to work or not, please drive safely!