The European Parliament decided to ban Amazon representatives from accessing its buildings on Tuesday (27 February), due to multiple events where the global retailing giant did not attend meetings requested by members of the European Parliament, the European Parliament press service confirmed Euractiv.

“In line with rule 123/3 and at the request of the [Employment and Social Affairs] Committee, the Quaestors have authorised the Secretary General [Alessandro Chiocchetti] to withdraw the long-term access badges of the interest representatives of Amazon.

It is now the responsibility of the secretary general to concretely initiate the process of withdrawing their badges and to determine the duration of the ban, a European Parliament source close to the matter told Euractiv. [...]

“We are very disappointed with this decision, as we want to engage constructively with policymakers. […] Our commitment continues despite this decision,” an Amazon spokesperson told Euractiv.

“Amazon regularly participates in activities organized by the European Parliament and other EU institutions – including Parliamentary hearings – and we remain committed to participating in balanced, constructive dialogue on issues that affect European citizens,” the spokesperson said. [...]

According to the EMPL chair Dragos Pîslaru, who signed the letter, the US e-commerce company refuses to attend more than one meeting with EU lawmakers to discuss the condition of Amazon workers.