The GMB union has claimed a ‘historic moment’ in its campaign to gain union recognition for its members working at online giant Amazon
The GMB has hailed a “historic moment” in its battle for union recognition at Amazon, as the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) has ruled in favour of a union recognition vote at the company’s Coventry warehouse.
This decision comes after over a year of industrial action and 30 days of strikes, setting the stage for a legally binding vote among the workforce. Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser, said: “From day one of GMB’s fight for union rights at Amazon, it has been a modern-day David and Goliath battle. One year on this is a truly historic moment as workers stand up against the company’s relentless anti-union propaganda.”
She added:, “Workers have won against the odds and will now be given a legally binding say on forming Europe’s first recognised union at Amazon.” Responding to the development, an Amazon spokesperson said: “Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have. We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.”
The spokesperson also highlighted the company’s competitive wages, noting, “Our minimum starting pay has increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% since 2018.”
“We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities. These are just some of the reasons people want to come and work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career.”
