GMB blasts "horrendous" working conditions as Amazon makes minimum wage announcement

GMB, the union for Amazon workers, has commented on the company’s minimum wage announcement today [Tuesday].

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said:

"I'm glad Amazon has heeded GMB Union's long-standing calls to pay people, at the very least, the minimum they need to live - though given their owner is the richest man in the world you'd think he could see fit to dig a little deeper, but it's a start. 

"Now they're paying the living wage, maybe Amazon could pay their taxes too, and do something to improve the horrendous working conditions people endure in their warehouses.

"GMB has heard horrific tales from the shop floor, of a woman in late pregnancy having to stand for a 10 hour shift, hundreds of ambulance call outs to Amazon warehouses and nearly 90% of our Amazon members saying they experience constant pain at work.

"GMB are ready and willing to help sort that out, but they won't let a trade union through their doors. So this isn't 'job done' by any stretch.”