ACTIVISTS took to Widnes today, Wednesday, to protest about alleged poor treatment of Amazon workers.
Protestors say they wanted to 'send a message to Amazon shareholders over poor treatment and union recognition'.
The campaigners unfurled a giant banner on Victoria Promenade, in St Mary's Road, that read ‘stop the greed.’
They wanted to highlight what they say is ‘Amazon’s association with poor treatment and anti-union tactics around the world.’
The protest coincided with the Amazon shareholders’ meeting taking place today, Wednesday.
In the UK, Unite is calling on the company to make a clear commitment and sign up to a 'declaration of neutrality which would guarantee Amazon workers the freedom to talk with, and form a union without fear'.
The union says workers in Bangladesh and Cambodia working in the Amazon supply chain have been the victims of ‘shocking treatment’ in the midst of the global pandemic.
Unite, together with Global union Uni, is calling on Amazon to 'respect labour rights around the world'.
Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: ‘It's time for Amazon’s shareholders to demand action to deliver better rights for Amazon workers.
“Workers and campaigners for social justice are in a battle with Amazon on a global scale to protect workers’ rights.
‘‘It’s a battle that we are determined to win, the alternative is the continued global race to the bottom.
"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.''
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We respect our employees’ right to join, form, or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection, without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.
''Across Amazon, including in our fulfilment centres, we place enormous value on having daily conversations with each associate and work to make sure direct engagement with our employees is a strong part of our work culture.
''The fact is, we already offer excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern work environment.
''The unions know this.”
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