Amazon in vow to look into giving workers ‘real living wage’
Ministerial visit follows reported staff complaints
AMAZON has pledged to consider paying its workers a “real living wage” in Scotland following a ministerial visit to investigate allegations of unacceptable working practices at its Fife depot.
The move comes after reports that staff at the company’s depot in Dunfermline, Fife, could face the sack if they are off sick for four days, even if they have a doctor’s note.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown met executives from the online retailer as he urged it to sign up to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work agenda, which promotes a living wage, greater workplace democracy, constructive dialogue and enhanced discussions between unions, employers, public bodies and government departments.
The Government’s non-statutory recommended living wage is £8.45 per hour north of the Border.
Amazon said all permanent and temporary workers start on £7.35 an hour or above, regardless of age, and £11 an hour and above for overtime.
Mr Brown’s call comes after reports last week that workers could be dismissed for being off for only four days off even if they had a sick note.
There have also been claims staff have been fined for returning one minute late after a lunch break.
Some workers had pitched up in tents in woods near the centre to save on the costs of travelling to and from work.
Mr Brown said: “I had a productive meeting with senior members of Amazon’s management team and I asked them a series of questions around personnel and transport related-issues that had been the subject of recent media reports.
“I then made a series of requests of the senior management team, including in relation to becoming involved in our fair work agenda through the fair work convention, paying the real living wage and trade union activity in the workplace.
“They have agreed to consider these requests and to a further meeting in the next two to three months.
“These jobs are important to Scotland’s economy – 4,500 at its current peak and 1,800 permanent employees – and so it’s crucial that we continue to work with Amazon to help deliver fair work practices.”
A spokeswoman for the company said: “Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace with competitive pay and benefits from day one.
“We are proud to have been able to create several thousand new permanent roles in our UK fulfilment centres over the last five years.
“One of the reasons we have been able to attract so many people to join us is that we offer great jobs and a positive work environment with opportunities for growth.
“As with nearly all companies, we expect a certain level of performance from our associates. Productivity targets are set objectively, based on previous performance levels achieved by our workforce.
“Associate performance is measured and evaluated over a long period of time because we know a variety of things could impact the ability to meet expectations in any given day or hour.
“We support people who are not performing to the levels expected with dedicated coaching to help them improve.” THE Duke of Cambridge has revealed Prince George is so caught up with the Christmas spirit he has been unwrapping presents before the big day.
Prince William joked about his three-year-old son’s involvement with the festive fun when he joined wife Kate and Prince Harry at a Christmas party for Heads Together, their mental health umbrella charity organisation. William, Kate and Harry met volunteers, counsellors and supporters of its member charities at a youth club in Kensington, London.
The Mix, a Heads Together member and national organisation that provides confidential support to the under-25s, hosted the event and also held its end-of-year prizegiving ceremony.
‘‘ I made a series of requests of the senior management team, including paying the real living wage