New Amazon boss Andy Jassy must transform whole working culture
The new Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, has an historic opportunity to improve the e-commerce giant’s working culture, according to the GMB union.
Founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, is to transition to the role of Executive Chair in the company’s Q3 this year.
He goes out on a high note, with Amazon reporting record revenues for its core Christmas quarter, topping $100 billion for the first time as the coronavirus pandemic powered a surge in online shopping.
But while business has boomed, warehouse workers in the UK have been forced to suffered inhumane working conditions, the GMB claims.
It cites an investigation which found ambulances were called out 600 times to 14 warehouses in just three financial years.
Laurence Turner, GMB Research and Policy Officer, says: “A change in the face at the top isn't enough - it is time for Amazon's whole working culture to transform.”
"While its profits have soared, warehouse workers in the UK have broken bones, been knocked unconscious and been taken away in ambulances in the company’s ruthless pursuit of cash.”
He concludes: “Andy Jassy can draw a line under Jeff Bezos's intense ideological hostility to unions, and instead make improving the lot of workers a top priority.”
Amazon did not respond to our request for comment.
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