12 December 2016

Amazon workers have been forced to sleep in tents near their place of work because they cannot afford transport, it has been revealed in the latest shocking story of exploitation and low pay.

The Courier reported that at least three tents have been pitched by workers in woodland in Dunfermline just beside one of the retailer's sites. One of the workers told the newspaper that Amazon was a "poor employer" adding to recent accusations that some workers were taking on up to 60 hours a week, were receiving low pay, and were treated harshly.

It was easier and cheaper to sleep in freezing conditions near the Amazon fulfilment centre than to travel to and from home, the worker told the Courier.

The Amazon site has been the centre of protests by the local People's Assembly and Trades Union Congress, who said: "Amazon has it within its power to create a truly first class working environment, but this is always negated by the drive for bigger and better profits at all costs."

“It is always at the expense of the workers who are treated no better than drones.”