Amazon is facing protests and calls for a boycott internationally from campaign groups as it launches its Prime Day 2020 shopping event.
Campaign group Ethical Consumer has called on UK shoppers to boycott the retail giant this Prime Day, citing the “cost to vital public services” incurred by Amazon’s controversial tax system here in the UK.
In September it was revealed that Amazon paid just £6.3 million in corporation tax in the UK last year, this compares to high street retailers like Tesco which paid £176 million in 2018.
“Aside from tax avoidance, Amazon has a dubious track record on many issues including workers’ rights and the environment,” Ethical Consumer director Tim Hunt said.
“We urge consumers to think about whether they really need to make that purchase on Amazon Prime Day and instead how they can use their money in way that benefits society and the environment.”
READ MORE: Amazon paid just £6.3m in UK corporation tax last year despite £13.55bn in sales
Meanwhile the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has urged shoppers to favour smaller independent retailers, many of which are under threat of going under after an incredibly turbulent year.
Its chief executive Andrew Goodacre added: “Independent retailers are part of the community and need the support of shoppers now more than ever.”
In Europe, where employee pushback against the retailer is most prevalent and effective, unions have called on warehouse workers to hold protests.
In Germany, Amazon’s largest market outside the US, workers union Verdi has organised a two-day strike to take place for the entirety of Prime Day, which runs through October 13 and 14.
Amazon responded stating that most of its employees were continuing to work as normal despite the planned strike action, and that deliveries would not be impacted.
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