GMB claims 'historic moment' in union recognition campaign at Amazon in Coventry
It will mean the retail giant has to sit down with employers about things like wages
The GMB has claimed a "historic moment" in its campaign to gain union recognition for its members working at online giant Amazon.
The union said the Central Arbitration Committee, the Government body responsible for regulating collective bargaining between workers and employers, has ruled in favour of the GMB's application for a union recognition vote at the company's Coventry warehouse.
The move, following more than a year of industrial action and 30 strike days, paves the way for a legally binding vote of Amazon Coventry's workforce.
The work has been praised by local MP, Zarah Sultana, who says workers in the city are 'leading the way.'
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, she says "they've resisted Amazon's anti-union propaganda and have now secured a legally binding vote to recognise the GMB Union."
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.
"Workers have won against the odds and will now be given a legally binding say on forming Europe's first recognised union at Amazon."
An Amazon spokesperson says: “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. 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.”