Amazon workers invited to Parliament to discuss workers' rights
It follows nearly 40 days of strike action - including at the retail giant's warehouse in Coventry.
Last updated 9th Sep 2024
Amazon workers from across the country will be in Parliament today to speak with Labour MP's about the campaign for workers' rights in the company's UK warehouses.
The retail giant was slammed for 'sticking plasters' as it announced a pay rise for workers following nearly 40 days of strike action - with the union representing workers, the GMB, calling retail giant's reputation as "in the gutter."
The unions say Amazon are sponsoring an event for MP’s on the same day, despite accusations of union busting at the company being raised in Parliament.
Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, said:
“Amazon’s reputation is in the gutter over its treatment of its own workers, and now company bosses are trying to salvage their reputation in the eyes of decision makers.
"But it's a sticking plaster over a gaping wound.
“Workers are here today to send a clear message to politicians.
“Unsafe working conditions, low pay and excessive surveillance blight the lives of Amazon workers every single day and it’s time for the Government to force Amazon to change its ways".
Amazon recently announced an increase in the starting salary for frontline operation workers to £28,000 - saying they've "invested £550m in increased pay for operations employees across the UK since 2022, representing a 35% increase in the hourly rate in just two years."
In response, the GMB described the move as "too little too late."
An Amazon spokesperson said:
“Across Amazon, we place enormous value on engaging directly with our employees and having daily conversations with them. It’s an essential part of our work culture. We value that direct relationship and so do our employees. This is why we’ve always worked hard to listen to them, act on their feedback, and invest heavily in great pay, benefits and skills development - all in a safe and inclusive workplace with excellent career opportunities. We look forward to continuing on that path with our team in Coventry.”