Unite the Union, has opened a confidential whistle-blowing hotline for Amazon workers in Northern Ireland.
The union has begun a national newspaper and digital Facebook advertising campaign to alert Amazon workers that they can blow the whistle and expose poor treatment free from reprisals by calling 08000 141 461 or visiting the hotline. The union is advertising in newspapers and online across the UK and Ireland including in the Belfast Telegraph
The hotline coincides with the launch of the campaign alliance ‘Action on Amazon’ that is demanding a ‘new deal’ for Amazon workers, including a union and a greater share of the firm’s enormous profits. Belfast is home to a major Amazon fulfilment centre located in Channel Business Park. Today (Wednesday 31 March) campaigners will also unfurl a giant banner at that Amazon centre to mark the launch of the nationwide campaign as part of a series of regional launches.
Against a backdrop of reports of poor working conditions, Amazon workers have been essential during the Covid crisis. The company increased its permanent workforce by one third (10,000) in 2020 as well as taking on 20,000 additional seasonal staff. The company almost doubled its profit in 2020 compared to 2019 and Jeff Bezos is now ranked the world’s richest man.
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