CAMPAIGNERS unfurled a giant banner on Worcester Bridge to call on Amazon to sign up to a declaration which would guarantee workers the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear.
Recently, Amazon reported its first-quarter profit more than tripled from a year ago, fuelled by the growth of online shopping.
Against a backdrop of reports about poor working conditions and anti-union tactics, Amazon workers have been essential during the Covid crisis. Unite is calling on Jeff Bezos to sign up to a ‘declaration of neutrality’
In the first three months of this year, the company reported profits of £5.8 billion, compared to £1.8 billion the year before.
Unite executive officer, Sharon Graham said: “Amazon’s profits have tripled off the backs of workers who have been essential during the pandemic. But the company continues to be plagued by reports of poor working conditions and anti-union tactics.
“Amazon workers are not currently free to join a union without fear, and without obstruction and propaganda being deployed against them.
“Workers have serious concerns and need an independent voice to stand up against injustices in the workplace.
“Unite has recently written to Jeff Bezos in response to claims from the company about respecting UK workers’ rights to join and form a union.
“Our union is calling on the company to make a clear commitment and sign up to a declaration of neutrality.
“The declaration would guarantee workers the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear. If the company is genuine then it should be more than happy to sign the declaration.”
