Workers at an Amazon distribution centre in the UK moved closer to union representation as voting began, with a “yes” vote forcing the US company to negotiate working conditions with a union for the first time outside the US.
The GMB union said on Wednesday that more than 3,000 Amazon workers at its site in Coventry, central England, would take part in a month-long process that includes a vote overseen by the Central Arbitration Committee, an independent body with statutory powers.
Coventry workers have been embroiled in a dispute over wages and union recognition for more than a year, and have gone on several strikes.
“Amazon workers in Coventry rejected Amazon's attempts to crush their union. Instead, they stood up to be counted and demanded the opportunity to vote on union recognition,” GMB chief organizer Amanda Gehring said.
The e-commerce giant has historically opposed unionization, but in 2022, workers at one of its New York warehouses forced the company to recognize a union in the United States for the first time.
If Coventry workers vote in favour of union recognition, Amazon will have to negotiate terms, wages and conditions.
Workplace meetings on the process will begin on Wednesday, with voting beginning on July 8, the GMB said. The result will be announced after July 15.
Amazon's preference was to resolve issues directly with employees rather than resorting to unions.
“Our employees have a choice to join a union or not. They always have,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
“Across Amazon, we deeply value daily conversations and engagement with our employees. It’s an important part of our work culture. We value that direct relationship and so do our employees.”
Amazon employs around 75,000 people in the UK, making it one of the ten largest private sector employers in the country.
