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Officials from GMB are calling in staff at Amazon Coventry “Together, Vote Yes” warehouse at the start of a month-long voting process that could spark a historic union recognition deal.
Union officials began visiting West Midlands site on Wednesday after the GMB was granted the right to conduct the legally binding vote by the independent Central Arbitration Committee. Amazon declined a request for voluntary recognition.
If employees vote in favor of recognition, GMB will gain the right to represent them in negotiations over pay and conditions, marking the first time Amazon has recognized union in the United Kingdom.
Starting Wednesday, more than 3,000 workers began attending a series of 45-minute meetings with union representatives — and separate meetings with the company — in which both sides will present their arguments.
Voting will then take place at the workplace from July 8, with the result announced after July 15.
“It’s a pretty steep hill to climb but we’re feeling positive,” said Amanda Gearing, senior organizer of the GMB, speaking after the first round of meetings.
“All the messages we’re sending are coming from our leaders at Amazon, and they’re saying they’re fed up with being treated the way they’ve been treated, and they want their voices to be heard.”
Staff at the huge warehouse have previously complained about what they see as Amazon’s anti-union tactics, including QR codes displayed around the building which, when scanned, generate an email to the GMB to end union membership.
The vote marks the latest stage in GMB’s decade-long attempt to build a presence in the company. The staff at Coventry have has been on strike for over a yeardemanding £15 an hour pay and a seat at the negotiating table.
They were joined on the Black Friday picket last November by trade unionists from Amazon’s US and continental European businesses.
If the union wins the recognition vote, it would repeat the success of unionists at an Amazon site in New York who fought for the right to organize.
To secure recognition, the GMB will need to win majority support in the vote. Those voting yes must also represent at least 40% of the site’s workers.
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Labor has promised a plan to give unions more power as part of a “new deal for working people” if they win power in the general election on July 4.
The General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Paul Novak, said: “This is a vital chance for Amazon workers to secure better pay, conditions and an independent voice at work.
“Instead of valuing its workforce, the company has gone into the kitchen sink trying to stop workers from organizing.” Their union-busting should have no place in modern Britain and shows why a new deal for working people is so necessary.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “Our employees have a choice whether or not to join a union. They always have. At Amazon, we place great importance on daily conversations and engagement with our employees. This is a strong part of our work culture. We value this direct relationship and so do our employees.”
The spokesman added that minimum entry-level pay at the company had increased by 20% in two years to between £12.30 and £13 an hour.
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