AMAZON has responded after a demonstration in the North-East saw campaigners warn against bringing in 'union-busting tactics' today.
The retailer, which has sites in Durham and Darlington, and set to open a new warehouse in Gateshead this year, has been urged by Unite the Union not to use "corporate spies."
It comes as part of Unite's ongoing campaign 'Action on Amazon,' which claims the retailer is preventing North-East workers from joining unions.
Read more: Amazon confirms warehouse at Follingsby Max in Gateshead - with 1,000 jobs expected
But Amazon has hit back saying it respects its workers' right to join a union, and that it places "enormous value" in having daily conversations with each worker.
It also said it already offers "excellent pay, benefits and opportunities" in a safe and modern work environment, claiming all of which Unite officials already "know."
At around midday on Wednesday, campaigners from Unite held a demonstration at Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Unite said workers in Bessemer, Alabama had lost a ballot to form a union during an "anti-union" campaign from Amazon - something which the retailer has refuted.
Meanwhile it said Amazon in Spain is facing legal action for allegedly "spying" on workers who were planning on strike action in Barcelona.
Sharon Graham, Unite's executive officer, said: “The union in Alabama put up a brave fight in the face of a methodical anti-union campaign from Amazon.
“If Amazon is genuine about respecting UK workers’ rights to join and form a union, as it recently claimed, then it should make a clear commitment and sign up to a declaration of neutrality.
“Amazon must pledge not to use other anti-union tactics like spying on its workers. The intrusive surveillance tactics Amazon has employed elsewhere to prevent workers having a voice has no place in 21st Century Britain.
“The declaration of neutrality guarantees 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.”
In response to today's campaign, a spokesperson for Amazon told The Northern Echo: “We respect our employees’ right to join, form or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection.
"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.”
Addressing the union vote in the United States, the retailer refuted claims it had intimidated its workers during the union ballot.
It said: "It’s easy to predict the union will say that Amazon won this election because we intimidated employees, but that’s not true.
"Our employees heard far more anti-Amazon messages from the union, policymakers, and media outlets than they heard from us.
"And Amazon didn’t win—our employees made the choice to vote against joining a union.
"Our employees are the heart and soul of Amazon, and we’ve always worked hard to listen to them, take their feedback, make continuous improvements, and invest heavily to offer great pay and benefits in a safe and inclusive workplace.
"We’re not perfect, but we’re proud of our team and what we offer, and will keep working to get better every day.”
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