Calls grow for a new deal for Amazon workers in Swansea

ACTION on Amazon campaigners will be at Mumbles pier & Swansea Castle tomorrow to spread the word that Amazon workers can blow the whistle on poor treatment, as calls grow for a new deal for the workers that have made Amazon a multibillion pound company.

The union has begun a digital Facebook advertising campaign to ensure  Amazon workers know that they can confidentially raise issues of concern free from reprisals by calling 08000 141 461 or visiting the https://actiononamazon.org/hotline/.

Amazon has a fulfilment centre near Swansea in Skewen. It is part of a huge network of warehouse space across the country. Amazon occupies an astonishing third of all warehouse space in the UK.  Workers toil around the clock to get the essentials delivered to homes during the current health crisis. Amazon’s total net sales attributable to the UK increased from $14.5 billion in 2018 to $26.5 billion in 2020 – that’s an increase of 82 per cent. But Amazon strongly resists attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own.

Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Calls are growing for a new deal for Amazon workers. Action on Amazon campaigners will be at  Mumbles Pier and Swansea Castle  to spread the word that Amazon workers in Swansea can contact us confidentially by calling Unite’s hotline.

“This corporate giant has made billions off the backs of workers. Amazon resists any attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own. It is now time that workers have a voice.”

In response to the claims by Unite, an Amazon spokesperson said:

“The fact is we already offer our employees excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern work environment.

“Our competitive wages start at £9.70 or £10.80 per hour depending on location, and we’d encourage anyone to compare this to the wages and benefits offered by other retailers.

“We’re proud to have created 10,000 new permanent roles across the UK in 2020, taking our total permanent UK workforce to more than 40,000. Our people have played a critical role in serving customers in these unprecedented times and the new roles help us continue to meet customer demand and support small and medium sized businesses selling on Amazon.”

They went on to explain the background of the company:

Amazon respects  employees’ right to join, form or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection. Across Amazon, including in our fulfilment centres, and place enormous value on having daily conversations with each employee and work to make sure direct engagement with employees is a strong part of our work culture.