Amazon has announced an increase in minimum wage for all its employees in the United Kingdom and the United States in response to criticism regarding working conditions.
From November 1st, London-based workers’ pay will rise to £10.50 per hour, while those outside the capital will receive £9.50 per hour, both increasing from the current £8 per hour. In the United States, the minimum wage will rise to $15 (£11.57) per hour for over 250,000 staff members. This change affects Amazon’s 17,000 permanent workers as well as 20,000 temporary staff employed at various times throughout the year.
Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos stated, “We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead. We’re excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented, “Amazon didn’t gift this, workers organised for it. The fight goes on to improve working conditions and get this company to pay its fair share of taxes.”
There has been significant criticism of the company’s working conditions at its 16 UK fulfilment centres, despite being one of the wealthiest companies globally. Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, noted, “Amazon is a trillion-dollar company. It can easily afford to pay staff higher wages. If Amazon is really serious about looking after its workforce it must recognise trade unions. And it must end the exploitative working practices that have seen hundreds of ambulances called to its UK warehouses.
All workers deserve decent conditions at work – not surveillance, inhumane targets and the threat of a disciplinary if they go to the toilet. Today’s announcement is the result of campaigning by the GMB and unions around the world. It’s only a start and shouldn’t be spun as a huge act of generosity.”
Amazon’s decision to raise the minimum wage marks a significant step in addressing criticisms of its labour practices. However, there remain ongoing concerns about working conditions and union recognition within the company.