"Unions lobby investors to press Amazon over UK working conditions", 20 May 2019

Trade unions are lobbying City investors to put pressure on Amazon to improve conditions for its workers in the UK... 

The GMB told investors that workers at Amazon’s giant warehouses worked long shifts under pressure to hit targets for items picked, causing pain and injuries... allegations included lack of action on sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions and warehouse managers dismissing employees’ concerns and problems.

The union told investors the company’s refusal to change would leave it exposed as public opinion swung against the power of big companies. Risks include legal challenges to treatment of workers...

Amazon... said: “These allegations are false and unsubstantiated. Amazon already offers industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities, all while working in a safe, modern work environment...”

The company said its employees worked a normal 40-hour week and that it was normal to have measures of performance. Amazon said it did not tolerate harassment in the workplace and that it would investigate the GMB’s claims if the union supplied the necessary information.

Amazon refuses to recognise unions and has faced long-running accusations of gruelling working conditions at warehouses in the UK and the US...

Investors who attended the meeting said they took the presentations seriously, and some pledged to raise working conditions with Amazon. They discussed tactics for getting Amazon to change, including voting against individual directors...