Amazon protests take place across the UK as voting begins in Coventry warehouse workers’ rights ballot

Protests are taking place today at Amazon warehouses across the UK as voting begins in a historic workers’ rights ballot. 

Demonstrations in the North and South of England, Wales and Scotland mark the day workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse cast the first votes in their bid to get union recognition for the first time in the UK. 

A separate rally outside Amazon’s London HQ will see TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell joined by Amazon workers and supporters. 

The vote in Coventry follows a three-week period which saw union representatives granted access to Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre by the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee.

More than 3,000 workers will take part in the ballot – if a majority of them vote yes, Amazon will need to negotiate pay, terms and conditions with the GMB union. 

The vote runs until Saturday 13th July, with a result expected on 15th July. 

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, says: “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 RTIH: “Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have.”

“Across Amazon, we place enormous value on having daily conversations and engagement with our employees. It’s a strong part of our work culture. We value that direct relationship and so do our employees.” 

They added: “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.”