Amazon hits back at union for ‘spreading misinformation’

GMB union representative Kate Gorton accused Amazon of treating staff at its fulfilment centres unfairly.

In an interview with the BBC, Gorton said employees complained about timed toilet breaks and not being allowed to leave the floor without permission.

An Amazon spokesman said: “Self-interested critics have a vested interest in spreading misinformation about Amazon but the facts tell a different story.

“The truth is that Amazon already offers industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits, as well as a safe, modern work environment.

“These groups are conjuring misinformation to work in their favour, when in fact we already offer the things they claim to be fighting for.

“You don’t have to take our word for it – or theirs. Come and see for yourself by registering for a tour at one of our fulfilment centres.”

Members of the GMB union also spent Cyber Monday outside Amazon’s London headquarters, accusing the online platform of underpaying tax contributions.

The union estimated the online giant should have paid £103m in corporation tax in 2018 but claimed its UK arm of the business only paid £14m of tax on £2.3bn worth of sales, according to City AM.

GMB national officer Mick Rix said: “Amazon’s tax loopholes and massive subsidies means our public services get a rough deal.

“Cash that could be used for thousands of carers, nurses or teaching assistants is being poured into Jeff Bezos’ coffers.

“We’re telling Amazon that it’s time to get round the table with GMB, discuss ways to make their workplaces safer and to be a good neighbour and pay their taxes.”

Amazon said: “These calculations are completely incorrect. Among other things, they assume uniformity of profits across geographies, which isn’t the case.

“Our international consumer business is still investing heavily and is loss-making, as can be seen in our annual report.

“In the UK, we’ve invested £18bn since 2010 and we employ 29,500 people. We pay all taxes owed and our total tax contribution in the UK in 2018 was £793m – £220m in direct taxes and £573m in indirect taxes.”