Amazon employees in the UK protested outside its warehouses this morning in a dispute over workers’ rights.
Demonstrations took place outside seven of its distribution centres in North and South of England, Wales and Scotland from 6am to 8am.
A separate rally outside the online giant’s London head office will see Trades Union Congress (TUC) Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell joined by the retailer’s workers and supporters at 5pm.
The latest industrial action coincides with the start of a ballot, which GMB Union hopes will “force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK”.
Related Story
The vote in the retailer’s Coventry warehouse follows a three-week period which saw union representatives granted access to the fulfilment centre by the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).
More than 3,000 workers are expected to take part in the ballot, which if the majority of them vote yes will allow the GMB to negotiate pay, terms and conditions with Amazon on behalf of union staff.
The vote runs until Saturday 13 July, with a result expected on 15 July.
GMB National Secretary Andy Prendergast said: “Workers have come together because of the poverty pay and unsafe conditions Amazon has thrust upon them.
“They want the same fair pay and safe conditions any of us would demand.
“GMB members face shocking levels of intimidation, fear and abuse at the hands of bosses for daring to fight.
“Amazon has had every chance to do the right thing; now workers are taking things into their own hands to make work better.”
An Amazon spokesperson told Retail Gazette: “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.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
