Rights protection storm re-emerges, two Amazon warehouses launch strike vote

Amazon 's UK union members are stepping up their fight over pay and working conditions , launching strike ballots at two warehouses while the GMB union demands Amazon recognise its branch in Coventry.

GMB members at Amazon fulfilment centres in Rugeley and Mansfield are voting on whether to strike after they indicated in a consultative ballot that they were prepared to take industrial action.

The news comes after Amazon announced its second pay rise in 12 months - which GMB branded an "insult".

“Amazon workers are fighting back against a pay raise of just pennies from one of the wealthiest companies in the world,” said Amanda Gearing, a senior organizer with the union . “ It’s up to workers at both fulfillment centers to make their voices heard and whether they decide to strike to achieve truly fair pay.”

The GMB, which has been building up its representation at Amazon UK over the past decade , acknowledged the strike ballot would only be taken by 150 members, which currently represents less than 10% of the total workforce.

At the same time, the GMB has asked the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) of the business and trade sector to recognize the existence of the Coventry branch in order to obtain bargaining rights . If the CAC determines that more than 50% of Amazon workers support the GMB's request, the union will obtain legal power to negotiate with Amazon .

Amazon issued a statement rejecting the idea of ​​working with unions and the need for formal bargaining rights , but offering employees and senior managers the opportunity to communicate.

Amazon said, “Amazon respects employees’ right to join a union. We provide employees with competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, career growth opportunities, and work in a safe and modern work environment. At Amazon, these benefits and opportunities come with the work, and employees can also communicate directly with company leaders.”

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