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![TMCNet: Amazon factories branded Victorian [Herald, The (Scotland)]](http://images.tmcnet.com/siteart/invisible.gif)
Amazon factories branded Victorian [Herald, The (Scotland)]
(Herald, The (Scotland) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Amazon factories in Scotland were branded Victorian workhouses yesterday as unions protested against conditions allegedly imposed by the online retail giant.
The GMB, which organised the action, urged the company to "stop dodging taxes", improve working conditions and increase payments to meet the living wage of pound(s)7.45 per hour.
Currently, employees are paid just 1p above the minimum wage of pound(s)6.20.
Activists are also protesting against the alleged denial of their rights to union representation and collective bargaining to Amazon employees.
Staff were invited to join the union in protesting in Dunfermline, Paisley and Gourock but many did not take part, fearing they would be sacked.
Drew Duffy, GMB union organiser, said: "Recently, the working situation inside has got worse - Amazon are operating to almost Victorian working standards.
"Staff complain to GMB about a culture of bullying and harassment."
An Amazon spokeswoman said: "Amazon has invested over pound(s)1 billion in our UK operations and employs more than 5000 permanent employees across the UK in addition to thousands of temporary associates.
"More than 1000 temporary associates became permanent employees following the Christmas period in 2012."
The company also said it paid all applicable taxes wherever it operates.
(c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.
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