Union hotline for Amazon workers
A confidential whistle-blowing hotline has been set up for Amazon workers across the West Midlands, including those in Rugeley and Walsall.
The union Unite has begun a national newspaper and Facebook advertising campaign - including in the Express & Star - to alert Amazon workers that they can blow the whistle and expose poor treatment free from reprisals.
The hotline coincides with the launch of the campaign alliance ‘Action on Amazon’ that is demanding a ‘new deal’ for Amazon workers, including a union and a greater share of the firm's profits.
Rugeley is home to a major Amazon fulfilment centre and Walsall has an Amazon UK Services delivery station at Britania Point, Patent Drive.
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."
Yesterday campaigners unfurled a giant banner outside Birmingham Council House and Coventry Cathedral to mark the launch of the nationwide campaign
Unite is calling on Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to sign up to a ‘new deal’, including commitments that recognise workers’ right to unionise.
Executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Unite has opened a confidential hotline for Amazon workers in Rugeley to blow the whistle on poor treatment and working practices.
"Amazon attacks all attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own. This is why Unite is launching ‘Action on Amazon’ to give Amazon workers a voice, so they don’t have to rely on whistle-blowing or calling confidential hotlines.
“Jeff Bezos has become the world’s richest man off the backs of workers who have played a crucial part in so many people’s lives during the pandemic. It is prime time Amazon gave workers in Rugeley the right to be in a Union and to do so without interference, bullying and intimidation.”
Those wanting to use the hotline can call 08000 141 461 or visiting the dedicated website.
