A slew of investors, including CCLA Investment Management amongst a group of 50 investors and advisors, has fired off a letter to Amazon expressing concerns regarding the company’s alleged reaction to trade union affiliation at its Coventry-based warehouse.
These investors, which number in their dozens, are demanding that Amazon offer proof it’s adhering to its own Global Human Rights Principles.
This move comes hot on the heels of action taken against Amazon by the GMB Union back in April following an ongoing dispute concerning recognition at the Coventry location.
The union levelled accusations at Amazon claiming the retail behemoth utilised anti-union messaging and accused management of criticising unions during long meetings with employees.
Amazon is, however, steadfast in stating “there is any merit” lacking in the legal action thrown its way.
In their letter, the investor faction argues how Amazon’s supposed actions could be seen as being “misaligned” with the company’s very own human rights-centric approach.
Furthermore, they’re asking Amazon for a comprehensive explanation regarding its plan for honouring employees’ rights for association freedom along with collective bargaining rights.
This request was echoed too by a multitude of shareholders, who brought similar concerns to the forefront during an earlier voting round at Amazon’s annual general meeting this year.
CEO of CCLA, Peter Hugh Smith, commented, “As an investor in Amazon, we want to do the right thing both by our clients who expect us to be good stewards of their capital and by Amazon’s employees.”
“In light of the countless media reports and allegations, and given two major ESG data providers have expressed concerns, questions from investors need to be answered.”
“We want to see Amazon appoint a reputable third party to assess how they implement their human rights policies in UK fulfilment centres and to commit to rectifying any areas of non-conformance identified.”
“The clock is ticking and it is time for Amazon to set the record straight.”
An Amazon spokesman said: “We agree that everyone has the right to choose to join a union, and that everyone also has the right to leave a union if they choose.”
“Our employees told us how difficult it was to cancel their union membership so we provided information to help, through signs that always state that it’s an employee’s personal choice.”
“Additionally, it is made clear to employees that attendance at meetings is entirely their choice too. We do not believe there is any merit in the legal action.”
