Ocasio-Cortez chides Bezos after space launch: ‘Amazon workers did pay for this’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday lashed out at Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, alluding to the poor conditions of his employees after he thanked workers and customers upon return from space launch.

After returning after a short space flight in the morning, Bezos thanked Amazon customers and employees at a post-launch briefing.

“I also want to thank every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all of this,” he said.

Ocasio-Cortez shot back at the Blue Origin founder on Twitter.

“Yes, Amazon workers did pay for this,” she said. “With lower wages, union busting, a frenzied and inhumane workplace, and delivery drivers not having health insurance during a pandemic.”

Yes, Amazon workers did pay for this – with lower wages, union busting, a frenzied and inhumane workplace, and delivery drivers not having health insurance during a pandemic.

And Amazon customers are paying for it with Amazon abusing their market power to hurt small business. https://t.co/7qMgpe8u0M

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 20, 2021

Ocasio-Cortez noted that customers are paying for the flight by “Amazon abusing their market power to hurt small business.”

Amazon and its founder have faced heavy criticism as the company has been accused of unfair labor practices over the years, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. In April, the company illegally fired two workers after they were publicly criticizing the company. The case is just one of many allegations against the corporation. 

The company has consistently denied any allegations of poor working conditions and wages.