Historic Union Vote: Amazon UK Workers Push for Recognition and Better Conditions
July 8, 2024Amazon employees in the UK, including those at the Longtown warehouse, are actively seeking union recognition.
A historic ballot is underway in Coventry involving over 3,000 workers to join the GMB union.
If a minimum 40% turnout and majority vote yes, Amazon will negotiate with the union, marking the first union recognition in Amazon UK's 30-year history.
The TUC is leading a rally outside Amazon's UK headquarters in Shoreditch, with additional protests planned at various Amazon sites, including Swansea.
Rallies are scheduled at 7 other Amazon sites in the UK, with the vote outcome expected in mid-July.
Amazon has increased its minimum starting pay to £12.30 and £13 per hour, but workers are still advocating for fair treatment and better conditions.
The GMB criticizes Amazon for low pay and unsafe conditions, while Amazon emphasizes employee choice and competitive wages.
The vote, ending on July 13 with results on July 15, could lead to negotiations with the GMB Union on pay and conditions.
The GMB sees this vote as a significant opportunity to challenge Amazon's anti-union stance and potentially impact collective bargaining in the UK.
The TUC and GMB are supporting the workers in their fight for fair treatment at Amazon.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Jul 8, 2024
Amazon’s Coventry workers begin voting in historic union ballotBBC News • Jul 8, 2024
UK Amazon workers to protest over union recognitionEvening Standard • Jul 8, 2024
Amazon workers set for ballot on trade union representationEvening Standard • Jul 8, 2024
Workers target Amazon's London headquarters in rally for union rights