Over 3,000 Amazon staff to vote over union recognition

Workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse are set to vote in a “historic” trade union recognition ballot which will force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK. More than 3,000 workers will take part in the ballot – if a majority of them vote yes, Amazon will be forced to negotiate pay, terms and conditions with GMB Union. The vote runs until Saturday 13 July, with a result expected on 15 July. Simultaneously, demonstrations will take place in the north and south of England, Wales and Scotland to mark the day. A separate rally outside Amazon’s London HQ will see TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell joined by Amazon workers and supporters. The vote in Coventry follows a three-week period which saw union representatives granted access to Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre by the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee. Recognition would mean Amazon would have to negotiate with GMB on terms, pay and conditions for Amazon workers at the site. It would also be the first time Amazon has recognised a trade union in UK history. The strike vote comes after the year-long dispute between GMB union members and Amazon, which has seen over thirty days of strike action. Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said: “Workers have come together because of the poverty pay and unsafe conditions Amazon has thrust upon them. “They want the same fair pay and safe conditions any of us would demand. GMB members face shocking levels of intimidation, fear and abuse at the hands of bosses for daring to fight. Amazon has had every chance to do the right thing; now workers are taking things into their own hands to make work better.” An Amazon spokesperson told Retail Sector: "Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have. We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. Our minimum starting pay has increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% since 2018. We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities. These are just some of the reasons people want to come and work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career. "We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our employees and benchmark against the latest national data published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which confirms Amazon has over 50% fewer injuries on average than other transportation and warehousing businesses.”