Amazon workers to start voting in union recognition ballot
AMAZON workers at the Coventry fulfilment centre were set to cast their votes yesterday in a pivotal union recognition ballot.
The GMB union members are embarking on a monthlong voting process, which is being supervised by the Central Arbitration Committee, a body of the Government.
If the GMB’S efforts prove successful, it would mark the first instance of Amazon recognising a union within the UK, compelling the tech giant to engage in negotiations over working terms, pay, and conditions for employees at the Coventry site.
The GMB has been locked in an extensive dispute with Amazon, culminating in over 30 days of industrial action.
Amanda Gearing, a senior organiser for the GMB, described the event as “historic moment” stating: “Amazon is one of the world’s most hostile and anti-union employers. They’re a multibillion-pound global company investing huge energy to resist efforts by working-class people in Coventry to fight for a better life.”
She further highlighted the determination of the local workforce: “Coventry
Amazon workers have rejected Amazon’s attempts to smash their union.”
Gearing emphasised the significance of the vote: “Instead, they’ve stood up to be counted and demanded the chance to vote on union recognition.”
In response, an Amazon spokesperson maintained the company’s stance: “Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union.
They always have.”
The spokesperson added: “Across Amazon, we place enormous value on having daily conversations and engagement with our employees. It’s a strong part of our work culture. We value that direct relationship and so do our employees.”
“We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.”