STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A group of workers at Amazon’s new Bloomfield fulfillment center have joined together with hopes of forming a union.

Employees who are seeking to form a union at the new facility cited warehouse issues, including safety concerns, inadequate pay, and 12-hour shifts as their reasons.

“Ever since they opened, management has forced everyone at the warehouse to work 12-hour shifts for five or six days a week,” said Rashad Long, who works as a picker at the new Amazon facility at a recent press conference.

She said during the new-hire orientation, management promised workers that the company would provide a shuttle service and ride shares to help workers get to and from the warehouse.

“That has not happened. Instead, we all need to rely on an overcrowded MTA select bus service. It takes me four hours every day to get to and from work,” she said.

She also cited “health and safety” issues at the facility.

“Product bins are over-stuffed, and our breaks are few and far between. The third and fourth floors are so hot that I sweat through my whole shift, even when it’s freezing cold outside,” said Long.

Employees are working with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to launch a union.

AMAZON: ‘FALSE ALLEGATIONS'

However, Amazon said all the allegations are “false.”

“Amazon offers market-leading pay -- associates at our Staten Island facility make $17-$23 an hour -- and a great benefits package, including healthcare, pre-paid education through Career Choice, and up to 20 weeks parental leave,” said Rachael Lighty, an Amazon spokeswoman.

“We are also proud of our focus on safety, employee engagement, and open door communication culture. We firmly believe this direct connection is the most effective way to understand and respond to the needs of our workforce. We encourage anyone to compare our compensation, benefits, and workplace to other retailers, and to come take a tour and see for yourself through our public fulfillment center tours.”

She said it’s not true that employees are forced to work 12-hour shifts. “Our standard schedules are four days per week, 10 hours per day. ...We have a variety of flexible shift options and during the peak holiday season, we offer overtime for employees. ...” Lighty said.

The spokeswoman also combatted other allegations, including the promised shuttle service. “Amazon’s Staten Island fulfillment center offers associates multiple transportation options, including both public transportation and a rideshare service through 511NY RideShare," she said.

Of the alleged unsafe condition, Lightly said: "... All fulfillment centers are built with climate control; this includes our Staten Island facility. The site monitors temperature on every floor throughout the building, every single day. We keep our fulfillment center at 73 degrees F at this time of year. They also monitor air flow and make adjustments to the temperature throughout the day to ensure safe and comfortable working conditions for our employees. In some areas, the site has installed fans to assist with air flow,” she added.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER