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Amazon to receive Valentine's card from appalled trade unionists

AMAZON will be handed a giant Valentine’s Day card tomorrow from trade unionists appalled at the “brutal” way the company treats its warehouse workers.

General union GMB, which organises Amazon workers at the company’s warehouse in Rugeley, Staffordshire, will deliver the card to bosses.

Workers have reported suffering convulsions, electric shocks and serious spinal injuries from the work.

Many have said they have collapsed or been knocked unconscious due to poor conditions and overwork.

Recent investigations by the union found that there were 115 ambulance visits to the site in the past three years.

Shadow work and pensions minister Jack Dromey has called for an independent health and safety review to improve conditions.

GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: “It may be Valentine’s Day but our members don’t get much love from Amazon.

“This can’t go on – but Amazon refuses to meet with us so we can improve conditions for workers.

“Our Amazon members deserve better – and we won’t stop campaigning until they get it.”

The GMB members will also be joined by activists from the TUC Midlands region.

“The TUC will be proud to join GMB members and organisers at Amazon this week to show our support for the brave campaign of Amazon workers to secure the right to trade union recognition and the safety and dignity this affords,” TUC Midlands regional secretary Lee Barron said. “Amazon workers are not robots and deserve our respect and support.”

In a statement released to the Star, the company said: “The fact is that Amazon already offers what gatherings like this are requesting for employees: industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern work environment.

“At Amazon, these benefits and opportunities come with the job, as does the ability to communicate directly with the leadership of the company. We encourage everyone to visit our Rugeley site to see first-hand our focus on safety, employee well-being, and innovation.

“Just register for a tour at www.amazonfctours.co.uk.”

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