Scotland’s economy secretary is set for crunch talks with Amazon bosses as the furore over the company’s treatment of staff makes its way to Brussels.
Keith Brown will meet executives on Monday to discuss issues uncovered by a series of newspaper investigations.
Fife-based MEP Catherine Stihler will also raise the revelations in the European Parliament this week.
She said: “It is truly intolerable how Amazon are treating supposedly their most valuable asset, their employees.”
Mr Brown has pledged to “ensure that people have fair terms and conditions at work”.
He added: “I can’t imagine a company even as large and as powerful as Amazon would want to see the kind of headlines that we’ve seen.”
The Courier revealed that workers were camping outside the Dunfermline warehouse as they found it easier and more affordable than commuting.
A Sunday newspaper has reported employees have been told overtime is compulsory and can be threatened with dismissal for taking four or more sick days or missing performance targets.
Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “This meeting (with Mr Brown) needs to deliver on the sickness rules, working time regulations and the support and arrangements for workers like the pickers who are walking considerable distances every day on the job.”
An Amazon spokeswoman said: “Like many companies, at Christmas we do ask permanent associates and temporary associates to work additional hours above the standard 40-hour week.
“Amazon and the agencies we engage therefore ask that they opt out of the 48-hour maximum working week under the Working Time Regulations.”
