Seattle-based Amazon is facing allegations that it retaliated against three employees for publicly testifying in support of regulating data centers in the city. A complaint filed Thursday with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights accuses the company of initiating investigations and threatening disciplinary action, including possible termination, in response to the workers’ public statements. The complaint was submitted by Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, an independent group formed in 2018 that advocates for corporate actions addressing climate change.

Five Amazon technical employees affiliated with the group provided testimony at Seattle City Council hearings and committee meetings earlier this year. Their remarks raised concerns about the environmental impacts of data centers and the expansion of artificial intelligence, drawing national attention to the company’s hometown. According to the complaint, the three workers—among those who testified—were singled out for investigations and questioning about their participation and other individuals involved.

Patrick Schloesser, a software engineer with Amazon Web Services since 2020, told reporters he was summoned for an unexpected meeting last week and informed that he was under investigation. Schloesser, who testified at two hearings in early June, expressed frustration at what he described as an infringement on his political speech rights protected under Seattle’s civil rights laws. “I had this rising sense of anger that Amazon is attempting to infringe on my rights to speak out politically in my city,” he said.

Another employee targeted by investigations, identified as Mr. Irani, reported being repeatedly questioned about his testimony and the involvement of other Amazon employees during the hearings. He characterized the company’s conduct as contradictory, accusing Amazon of publicly denying retaliation while privately attempting to intimidate workers.

Amazon representatives stated that employees are prohibited from speaking publicly on behalf of the company without prior approval. Margaret Callahan, a company spokeswoman, emphasized that Amazon does not tolerate retaliatory actions and that any disciplinary measures will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigations. She indicated there are currently no plans to terminate any employees involved.

The tech industry’s rapid data center expansion has prompted increasing resistance nationwide due to concerns over environmental impact and urban infrastructure capacity. Seattle officials have been deliberating potential regulations on data center growth to address these issues.

The complaint filed with Seattle’s Office for Civil Rights requests an investigation into whether Amazon’s actions violated local protections against discrimination based on political beliefs. If the office finds reasonable cause, it will facilitate settlement discussions. Failing that, the matter may be referred to the city attorney for adjudication before an administrative law judge, who can impose remedies including monetary penalties or operational changes.