GMB slams Amazon for deploying ‘Orwellian’ AI tech powered tools that monitor worker rights in the UK
The GMB union has hit out at Amazon for deploying what it labels “sophisticated AI powered systems to monitor union activity amongst its workforce”. It cites a Truthout report about the use of Atlas, an AI tool that combines hundreds of data points to assess union organising risk at individual workplaces, and predict where future unionisation efforts may emerge.
The report focuses on its deployment in Canada, but, according to the GMB, source data reveals that company bosses have identified the US online retail giant’s Coventry and Minworth sites as at risk of unionisation efforts. Described as “risky” by the company, these sites have been the focus of worker led campaigns for union recognition in recent years.
The classification of sites is reportedly based on the collection of multiple data points by the Atlas system and company bosses, including correspondence between staff and even comments made on external websites such as Reddit. Coming shortly before new trade union workplace access rights come into force, the GMB has called on the UK government to urgently seek answers from Amazon about the use of Atlas in British workplaces.
Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, says: “This is a shocking revelation. Amazon, one of the globe’s wealthiest corporations, could be deploying Orwellian AI fuelled tools to monitor workers right here in the UK. We’ve long warned that Amazon top brass is uninterested in the norms and expectations of British industrial relations. We’ve written to the government demanding urgent answers. Workers deserve to be able to work free of the fear of excessive surveillance.”
She adds: “If Amazon bosses are using Atlas or similar AI fuelled systems in the UK, the British public deserve to know”.
Rosa Curling, Co-executive Director at Foxglove, a non-profit organisation that focuses on making tech fair for everyone, says: “It is shocking that Amazon think they can deploy a nakedly anti-union spy tech tool for the purpose of disrupting workers’ legal rights to organise and form a union. Foxglove is urgently considering this new development with the warehouse workers - and their lawyers - already suing Amazon for their unlawful one click to quit QR code inducement tool."
Amazon did not respond to our request for comment.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
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