Arundel campaigners to publicise hotline which will ‘give Amazon workers a voice’

Unite the union said the hotline could be used by Amazon workers to confidentially raise any issues of concern in their workplace ‘free from reprisals’.

Amazon has a large delivery and sortation warehouse in nearby Littlehampton, part of a huge network of warehouse space across the country.

The union said that Amazon’s total net sales attributable to the UK increased from $14.5 billion in 2018 to $26.5 billion in 2020 – an increase of 82 per cent.

Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Calls are growing for a new deal for Amazon workers.

“Action on Amazon campaigners will be at Arundel to spread the word that Amazon workers in Littlehampton warehouse or drivers can contact us confidentially by calling Unite’s hotline.

“This corporate giant has made billions off the backs of workers.

“Amazon resists any attempts by workers to gain a collective voice of their own.

“It is now time that workers have a voice.”

Amazon said it respected its employees right to join, form or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection.

A spokesman 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.”

The hotline can be contacted by calling 08000 141 461 or visiting www.actiononamazon.org/hotline/