Amazon delivery drivers have reported a shocking incident where bosses at an Oklahoma warehouse allegedly shut the doors and locked dozens of workers out as a tornado approached the area. The event unfolded on Tuesday after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oklahoma City, prompting drivers to seek shelter at the Amazon Flex station.
Chaotic Scene as Tornado Sirens Blared
Footage captured the moment management at the warehouse turned drivers away, with one worker describing a chaotic scene as they approached the building. "The siren's going off, so there's a little bit of panic, and it's definitely windy," one driver told local news outlet KFOR. As drivers attempted to enter, they encountered a large group who had already been kicked out of the building.
Drivers Plead for Shelter
One driver recounted trying to reason with management, stating, "I got right to the door, and one of the employees, I just kind of looked him in the face, and I was like, 'These sirens are going off, my friend. Like, we need shelter.'" She described how the employee pointed to a security guard, who then gave a stern stare before management shut the door in their faces.
"I just turned around and was like, what in the world just happened?" the driver said. "Like, there is a tornado that can hit at any time, and we are here to fend for ourselves." Another driver expressed disbelief, adding, "My first thought after we got back into the car was that, you know, I guess they're prioritizing their merchandise and their equipment over the lives of their workers."
Amazon Responds to the Incident
An Amazon spokesperson later stated that the drivers should not have been turned away, emphasizing that the health and safety of employees and partners is the company's highest priority. "The actions taken here did not follow our policies and procedures, and we've suspended the employees involved while we investigate the incident," the spokesperson said.
Storm Changes Direction
Fortunately, the storm ultimately changed direction, and the tornado did not touch down near the warehouse. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about workplace safety protocols during extreme weather events.
The worker who filmed the video summed up the sentiment, saying, "Their priorities are way better than ours, we don't deserve to be in a safe environment." This statement highlights the growing tension between corporate policies and on-the-ground realities for delivery drivers facing hazardous conditions.
