- Amazon call pull all the dirty tricks it wants; but these
workers are angry and they will not go away, says GMB Union
History-making Amazon strikers in Coventry have voted for six
more months of industrial action as the biggest walk out of the
dispute so far took place today [Wednesday]
Almost 800 Amazon Coventry workers are on strike today, with
nearly 500 joining the picket line - the 19th day of industrial
action.
A 99 per cent majority voted to extend the industrial action, on
a turnout of 54 per cent.
Amazon workers from Coventry are also in Parliament to meet MPs
today, including members of the Shadow Cabinet. Government
Ministers, including Business Secretary , have been invited.
Meanwhile GMB Senior Organiser Amanda Gearing gives evidence
about Amazon workers’ struggle to the Human Rights (Joint
Committee) hearing into human rights at work. [See notes 1 for
operational note]
GMB union was forced to withdraw its bid for recognition at
Amazon's Coventry warehouse, accusing the shopping giant of
“dirty tricks".
The union claimed it had surpassed the number of members needed
to secure recognition at the site - but that Amazon had taken on
1,000 extra staff to scupper the bid. [1]
Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser,
said:
“The vote for six more months of strike action at Amazon Coventry
shows these workers are in for the long haul.
“Almost 500 people on the picket line is incredible.
“Amazon call pull all the dirty tricks it wants; hiring extra
staff to deny workers their right to a voice in the workplace is
an obstacle, but it is not unsurmountable.
“These workers are angry, they know their rights and they will
not go away.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] When: Wednesday 14 June 2023
Photocall: 09:50 at Parliament Square, Great George Street, City
Of London SW1P 3AD
Meeting with MPs: 12.30 - 2pm Room B, One Parliament Street,
SW1A
Select Committee: 15.45 Room 16, Palace of
Westminster.
Streaming link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/3370b64a-1ab2-47c4-9fe4-10c6a9e62bd5
[2] GMB union accuses Amazon UK of
'dirty tricks' in recognition battle - BBC News
