Black Friday protests will take place at Amazon sites across the UK today in anger at the company’s worldwide abuse of workers and the planet.
GMB Union will be joined by the Trades Union Congress, the International Transport Workers Federation, War on Want and Labour Behind the Label - together the ‘Make Amazon Pay’ coalition.
The demonstrations take place as follows:
Amazon Coleville, Robinson Way, Ellistown, Markfield, Coalville LE67 1FB. 5.30am
Amazon Coventry, Lyons Park, Sayer Dr, Coventry CV5 9PF. 5.30pm
Amazon Peterborough, Kingston Park, Flaxley Road, PE2 9EN. 5.30am
Amazon’s London HQ, 1 Principal Place, Worship St, London EC2A 2FA. 10.30am
GMB research, revealed today, shows ambulance callouts for injuries and other health concerns at Amazon warehouses surged almost 50 per cent in the run up to Black Friday.
Meanwhile workers in its supply chain globally face wage theft and job losses.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said:
“While most people enjoy their Black Friday bargains, Amazon workers are being pushed beyond the limits of human endurance.
“Each year, ambulance call outs to Amazon sites rocket as workers desperately race to hit their crushing targets.
“Workers are breaking bones, being left in pain at the end of a shift, and even reportedly being burned by chemicals and getting barred from work for raising covid complaints.
“We are here today to tell Amazon bosses they can’t deny the facts about the inhumane working practices any longer.
“This company is a pandemic profiteer can afford to do better - it’s time for Amazon sit down with their workers’ union GMB and make Amazon a great, safe place to work. “
Meg Lewis, Campaigns Director Labour Behind the Label, said:
“Whilst Jeff Bezos has made billions during the pandemic, garment workers in Amazon’s supply chain have experienced wage theft, job loss and a crackdown on labour rights.
“Bezos should focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable in supply chains do not suffer during the pandemic, instead he is off galivanting in space.
“Amazon’s influence, as the primary profit maker in international supply chains that span across multiple industries cannot be underestimated.
“At the absolute minimum, Amazon must ensure that workers’ rights are upheld and that they receive the wages and severance they are owed.”
Owen Espley, Senior Economic Justice Campaigner at War on Want, said:
“From unsafe working conditions to data privacy and tax dodging, Amazon’s growing power is a threat to communities and workers around the world.
“Amazon is abusing its dominance across online retail, cloud services and logistics to create unfair competition that is driving down standards for everyone.
“Jeff Bezos wants to be seen as an innovator and an astronaut, but he’s nothing but a pandemic profiteer.
“Amazon’s astronomical profits are made whilst Amazon workers face unsafe conditions, constant surveillance and are treated like robots. Amazon’s power must be brought down to earth.
“When workers and communities come together, across borders and along supply chains, we have the power to Make Amazon Pay – and win a better future.
“It’s time for Amazon to pay fair wages, fair taxes, and for its impact on the planet.“
