This year, the SDA Queensland Branch joined other unions to assemble outside Amazon’s Distribution Centre in Lytton to protest their abysmal safety record for the international ‘Make Amazon Pay’ campaign.
Workers at Amazon DC’s are put under extreme pressure to work as fast as they can, which leads to putting themselves or team mates at risk as a result.
Amazon have a poor health and safety record, including:
- Constant surveillance of staff.
- Pressure to work to a high performance standard.
- Constant pressure to work harder and to work faster.
- High workloads and stress.
In Australia, we have decent workplace health and safety laws. We don’t need Amazon or any other employer importing lower safety standards from United States or elsewhere.
Amazon is a very successful business, but it is still one that relies on the hard work of people, and those people deserve to work in an environment and at a pace that is safe.”
The company has also consistently sought to limit the ability of trade unions to operate. You only do that when you’re trying to force down wages, conditions, and safety. Australia is built on a Union culture of safe workplaces.
The SDA and the union movement will continue working to hold Amazon to account – but we can only do that with your help.
If you know someone who works for Amazon, encourage them to join their union to fight for decent pay and better working conditions.