GMB and Amazon lock horns over warehouse workers

The GMB union is staging Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday protests across the UK, highlighting the e-commerce giant’s ‘appalling’ treatment of warehouse workers.

The demos will take place outside Amazon warehouses in Bolton, Manchester and Warrington, Rugeley, Coalville Peterborough, Newport and Sheffield and London today and on 2nd December. The GMB claims that workers are breaking bones, being knocked unconscious and taken away in ambulances, while pregnant women report being treated appallingly.

“Amazon has spent a fortune on fluffy adverts saying what a great place it is to work. Why not spend the money making their warehouses less dangerous places to work?” says Mick Rix, GMB National Officer.

“Amazon workers want Jeff Bezos to know they are people – not robots. It’s about time he showed empathy with the very people that have helped build his vast empire and make sure it is not a Black Friday for Amazon workers.”

‘Conjuring misinformation’

“Self-interested critics have a vested interest in spreading misinformation about Amazon but the facts tell a different story. The truth is that Amazon already offers industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits, as well as a safe, modern work environment,” an Amazon spokesperson told RTIH.

“These groups are conjuring misinformation to work in their favour, when in fact we already offer the things they claim to be fighting for. You don’t have to take our word for it – or theirs. Come and see for yourself by registering for a tour at one of our fulfilment centres.”