Amazon workers at its Coventry warehouse have begun voting in a historic referendum to recognise their union, which could give them collective bargaining rights on pay and working conditions for the first time in the UK. More than 3,000 employees at the West Midlands hub are taking part in the vote, which ends on Saturday.
The vote comes after a protracted battle between Amazon and unions over workers’ rights. The independent Central Arbitration Committee approved the legally binding vote after a campaign by the GMB union, which oversees the vote. Amazon had previously rejected a request for voluntary recognition.
If employees vote in favour, the GMB union will be authorised to negotiate on behalf of workers, marking the first time Amazon has recognised a union in the UK. The results are expected next week.
Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the Mineworkers’ Union of Great Britain, highlighted the workers’ motivations, saying: “They want the same fair pay and safe conditions that any of us demand. Mineworkers’ Union of Great Britain members face shocking levels of intimidation, fear and abuse at the hands of their employers simply for daring to fight back.”
Protests are planned at Amazon warehouses across the country as voting begins, including sites in Warrington, Dunfermline, Swansea and Tilbury. Kate Bell, assistant general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, will take part in a separate demonstration at Amazon’s London headquarters.
GMB recognition in Coventry would represent a major victory after years of union campaigning over pay and working conditions at all Amazon warehouses in the UK. While union membership is present at many other sites, the Coventry workforce is the largest involved in the effort.
Coventry workers have been on strike for several years, demanding £15 an hour and a role in negotiations. Workers have reported anti-union tactics by Amazon, such as QR codes around the facility that generate emails to cancel union membership.
The vote comes during the first full week of a Labour government that has promised to strengthen workers’ rights. Labour’s campaign included pledges to make it easier for unions to organise in workplaces, as part of a “New Deal for Workers” led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Trade unions are urging swift legislative action to ensure those promises are met.
An Amazon spokesperson highlighted the pay increases since 2018 and stressed that employees have always had the option to join a union. “Our employees have the choice to join a union or not. They always have,” he said. “We review our pay regularly to ensure we are offering competitive pay and benefits.”
