A Scottish minister urged Amazon bosses to give their staff a pay rise following accusations of harsh working practices at its Fife site.
Senior managers at the online retail giant met with Economy Secretary Keith Brown after coming under mounting pressure over their treatment of staff at the Dunfermline base.
The firm, which pays below the Living Wage, has faced accusations of forcing overtime on staff and threatening dismissal for those who repeatedly call in sick or miss performance targets.
The Courier revealed last month how Amazon workers had camped out in winter nights as a cheaper and easier alternative to commuting.
Speaking after the meeting at the fulfilment centre, Mr Brown said: “I had a productive meeting with senior members of Amazon’s management team this afternoon and I asked them a series of questions around personnel and transport related issues, which had been the subject of recent media reports.
“I then made a series of requests of the senior management team including in relation to becoming involved in our Fair Work agenda through the fair work convention, paying the real living wage and trade union activity in the workplace
“They have agreed to consider these requests and to a further meeting in the course of the next two to three months.
“These jobs are important to Scotland’s economy – 4,500 at its current peak and 1,800 permanent employees – and so it’s crucial that we continue to work with Amazon to help deliver fair work practices.”
Employees of all ages at Amazon start on at least £7.35 an hour, which is below the £8.45 Living Wage. They get at least £11 an hour for overtime.
Some workers have been told overtime is compulsory during the festive season, a Sunday newspaper reported.
Amazon say their request to staff to opt-out of the working time directive – so they can worker longer than 40 hours a week – is in line with seasonal practices at other companies.
A spokeswoman for the company said: “Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace with competitive pay and benefits from day one.
“We are proud to have been able to create several thousand new permanent roles in our UK fulfilment centres over the last five years.
“One of the reasons we’ve been able to attract so many people to join us is that we offer great jobs and a positive work environment with opportunities for growth.”
