GMB officials are encouraging staff at Amazon’s Coventry to “vote yes” together at the beginning of a ballot that could lead to a historic deal for union recognition.
After the Central Arbitration Committee granted the GMB the right to conduct the legally binding ballot, union officials began visiting the West Midlands location on Wednesday. Amazon rejected a voluntary recognition request.
The GMB will be given the rights to negotiate on behalf of the staff in relation to pay and conditions. This is the first time Amazon recognises a union within the UK.
More than 3,000 employees began meeting with union representatives on Wednesday. Separate gatherings were also held with the company. Both sides would present their arguments.
The voting will take place at the workplace starting on 8 July. Results will be announced after 15 July.
After the first round, Amanda Gearing, senior GMB organizer, said: “It is a steep hill to climb but we are feeling optimistic.”
All of the messages that we are putting out come from leaders within Amazon. They say they have had enough being treated in the manner they have been treated, and want to make their voices heard.
The staff inside the warehouse complained about what they perceived as anti-union tactics from Amazon. QR codes were displayed throughout the building, and when scanned generated an email cancelling the union membership.
The ballot is the latest step in the GMB’s decade-long effort to establish a presence within the company. The Coventry staff have been on strike for over a year. They are demanding a pay of £15 per hour and a place at the negotiation table.
On Black Friday in November last year, trade unionists representing Amazon’s operations in the US and Europe joined them on the picket lines.
If the union wins recognition, it will be similar to the success achieved by trade unionists on an Amazon site in New York that have fought for their right to organize.
The GMB must win a majority in the vote to be recognized. The “yes” votes must represent at least 40 percent of the workers present.
Labour promised to give more power to unions as part of its “new deal” for workers if they win the general elections on 4 July.
Paul Nowak (general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, TUC), said that this is an important opportunity for Amazon employees to get better pay and conditions, as well as a voice in their workplace.
“Instead of appreciating their employees, the company has done everything possible to try and stop workers from organising. The company’s union-busting behavior should not be tolerated in Britain today and is a clear indication of why workers need a new contract.
Amazon’s spokesperson said that employees can choose to join or not join a union. It has always been the case. We place a high value on daily communication and engagement between Amazon employees. This is a big part of our culture. “We value this direct relationship, and so do our staff.”
The spokesperson said that the minimum starting wage across the company has increased by 20% in two years, to between £12.30 an hour and £13 per hour.
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