The German labour union, Verdi, has called on Amazon workers in the country to go on strike, in order to force the huge e-tailer to implement better worker employment conditions, in line with other companies of its type.
Amazon has a history of treating workers poorly, with some in an American warehouse last year passing out due to heat stroke. Hoping to avoid something similar in Germany, the strikers are trying to force Amazon into adopting legally binding working condition improvements. On top of this, Verdi is also calling for wage increases, with an increase to starting salaries to 10.66 euros – compared to 9.30 euros as it stands now – being requested in Leipzig. In other cities though, like Bad Hersfeld, the union members are demanding an increase from 9.83 euros an hour to 12.18 euros an hour.
It's a bit early to be throwing shapes, love. Source: TheLocal
As Fudzilla points out, with over 9,000 workers in Germany, Amazon faces quite a sizeable number if they all turn out for this strike action. However if they haven't joined it yet, they're unlikely to, since it began at 6am this morning and will run until the end of the late shift tonight.
KitGuru Says: Amazon is such a polarising company. On one hand, the service it provides customers is almost second to none. The way it treats its employees though, can be abysmal.