The GMB union says Amazon warehouse workers are ‘yearning for change’ amid recognition vote

A GMB union representative told Retail Week there is an “appetite to make changes at Amazon in every fulfilment centre across the country” as employees take part in a ballot to allow UK staff to collectively bargain for workers’ rights.

“Workers have been pushed to the edge in fulfilment centres,” the GMB rep said.

“At the minute, we’re focusing on getting [the recognition vote] over the line, but Amazon workers across the country are yearning for that change.”

If the majority of workers balloting vote for recognition, GMB said Amazon will have to negotiate pay, terms and conditions with the union.

GMB added that Amazon workers around the world had sent messages of support and solidarity to the union as staff in Germany, Spain, Italy and the US have previously engaged in strikes.

Warehouse workers at Amazon Coventry have been striking since January 2023, while workers at the Rugeley and Birmingham depots have also walked out.

Speaking about the upcoming results of the recognition vote, another GMB rep told Retail Week he is feeling “positive” about the vote.

He emphasised that any changes or issues following the vote would be driven by the workers rather than the union.

“The ability to raise issues through union representatives and bring management to the table will be the first major change,” he said.

“We have a route to make things better; we’ve just got to keep pushing to make that happen.”

He added that a vote for recognition is not a “bad thing” for Amazon as having a “workforce that is paid well means you are likely to retain workers”, while a safe workplace means workers are “less likely to leave due to injury”.

The result of the ballot is expected to be announced on Monday, July 15, with the workplace ballot closing on Saturday, July 13.

An Amazon spokesperson: ”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.

“We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our employees and benchmark against the latest national data published by the Health & Safety Executive, which confirms Amazon has over 50% fewer injuries on average than other transportation and warehousing businesses.”