Two-minute Statement
27 November 2024
Black Friday deals are in full swing, but this time of the year also serves as an important reminder for all of us. With many online retailers, when we click on an item, the check-out and delivery process is usually fast and convenient. However, behind the deals and soaring profits, sadly, a history of worker exploitation throughout the supply chain exists. According to reports just this week, Amazon workers in 20 countries around the world are planning to protest or strike this Black Friday to push for better workers’ rights and also to take climate action. Amazon’s record is, sadly, quite appalling. Workers’ performance is monitored by using surveillance strategies to keep employees working faster and harder, and, beyond the warehouses, delivery drivers are monitored through a phone app and AI powered cameras installed in their cars.
Amazon also does not respect the workers’ rights to join a union, denying them a collective voice that will represent them, and the company also doesn’t pay its fair share of taxation, shifting income offshore to low-tax jurisdictions. For instance, in the decade of 2011 to 2020, Amazon paid just $5.9 billion in income tax compared to Apple, for example, which paid around $100 billion. So the message is clear: before you visit Amazon, think about its unsustainable business model that values its profits over its workers.
The Albanese government’s recent reforms to gig-economy workers, labour hire and casuals are vital measures to address exploitation of Australian workers, but global action is also needed. Well done to the SDA and the TWU for backing the Make Amazon Pay campaign and fighting for workers.
