Amazon workers in US protest over coronavirus safety

Amazon workers in the US staged a walkout to press safety demands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workers at the New York City facility demanded that the company shut down the large warehouse for deep-cleaning following reports of several workers testing positive for the coronavirus.

"There are positive cases working in these buildings infecting thousands," Christian Smalls, a warehouse worker who lead the strike, tweeted. 

Amazon, however, disputed the claims saying they've adopted stringent measures to ensure the safety of their workers, and called Small's accusation "misleading".

"Like all businesses grappling with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are working hard to keep employees safe while serving communities and the most vulnerable," their statement read.

Following the walkout, Smalls was fired by the firm for violating "social distancing rules".

"Amazon would rather fire workers than face up to its total failure to do what it should to keep us, our families, and our communities safe," Smalls responded in a statement. 

The firm earlier faced strikes by workers in France and Italy and legal complaints in Spain.