CAMPAIGNERS for workers rights have unfurled a banner in Tilbury which targets the Amazon group.

Campaigners they are calling for action against the online retailer, which operates a massive warehouse in Tilbury, saying its profits have tripled but reports of union busting and poor treatment are on the increase.

A small protest has been mounted for the past two mornings close the the warehouse at the end of the Dock Approach road (A1089) and today campaigners have unfurled a giant banner outside the Tilbury International Cruise Terminal.

They are calling on Amazon to sign up to a declaration which would guarantee workers the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear.

Last week, Amazon reported that its first-quarter profit more than tripled from a year ago, fuelled by the growth of online shopping.

Against a backdrop of reports about poor working conditions and anti-union tactics, Amazon workers have been essential during the Covid crisis. The Unite union is calling on Jeff Bezos to sign up to a declaration of neutrality. Amazon tripled its profits off the backs of workers who are routinely prevented from having a collective voice in their workplace says Unite.

In the first three months of this year, the company reported profit of 8.1 billion dollars (£5.8 billion), compared to 2.5 billion dollars (£1.8 billion) the year before.

Unite has launched a confidential whistle-blowing hotline which has opened in the UK & Ireland. They say Amazon workers can blow the whistle and expose poor treatment 'free from reprisals' by calling 08000 14 14 61 in the UK or 1800 851 268 for the Republic of Ireland or visiting this link.

Unite executive officer, Sharon Graham said: "Amazon's profits have tripled off the backs of workers who have been essential during the pandemic. But the company continues to be plagued by reports of poor working conditions and anti-union tactics.

"Amazon workers are not currently free to join a union without fear, and without obstruction and propaganda being deployed against them. Workers have serious concerns about issues such as bullying, mandatory overtime, intense surveillance, break-neck production targets and much more besides. Amazon workers need an independent voice to stand up against injustices in the workplace.

"Unite has recently written to Jeff Bezos in response to claims from the company about respecting UK workers' rights to join and form a union. Our union is calling on the company to make a clear commitment and sign up to a declaration of neutrality. The declaration would guarantee workers the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear. If the company is genuine then it should be more than happy to sign the declaration."

A spokesperson for Amazon told Nub News: "We respect our employees' right to join, form, or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection, without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.

"Across Amazon, including in our fulfilment centres, we place enormous value on having daily conversations with each associate and work to make sure direct engagement with our employees is a strong part of our work culture.

"The fact is, we already offer excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern work environment. The unions know this."