Canteen workers at Amazon’s Dunfermline centre have been given backdated holiday pay and written contracts after the online giant launched an investigation into their working conditions.
Last month, a whistleblower spoke out about conditions at the sprawling distribution centre, claiming employees of subcontractor Buckley Support Services were sent home if they were not needed.
Buckley Support Services pay day shift workers the minimum legal wage of £7.83 an hour and night shift staff £9.
It was claimed staff on minimum wage had not been given written contracts and night shift workers had just two weeks of holiday a year.
Following a probe, it has been reported that conditions have improved.
One worker said: “Management told us of the changes and many of us have signed contracts. We’ll also get back pay for holidays.
“I’ve no doubt nothing would’ve changed if it wasn’t for the negative publicity but everyone is delighted.”
A spokesperson for Amazon said: “On learning about the concerns raised by a catering employee of Buckley Support Services Ltd, Amazon immediately launched a full investigation.
“Amazon takes this matter very seriously and have demanded compliance by Buckley Support Services. All Amazon contractors must comply with our supplier code of conduct and employment law.”
Subcontractor owner Tony Buckley denied sending workers home and claimed they were asked if they wanted to go.
He said: “Most of them don’t have contracts. However, I don’t treat them disrespectfully – I don’t flout any laws.
“We don’t send anyone home – we’ll sometimes just ask if anyone wants to go and, if they do, they go.”
A member of Amazon’s catering staff last month told the Sunday Mail that workers were regularly sent home without notice during quiet spells.
The worker said: “You hear about people on zero-hour contracts, well, we don’t have any contract.
“I’ve worked in Dunfermline for years and I’ve never been provided with a written contract or terms and conditions.
“I’m disgusted with myself for allowing people to treat me like this but I feel helpless because work is hard to find.
“The soul-destroying thing is when you turn up only to be told you aren’t needed. You have spent money on petrol to get there and then you’re going home empty-handed.”
