The ballot period for GMB union recognition at Amazon UK begins today [Wednesday].
More than 3,000 Amazon workers will now take part in a month-long process, which includes a vote at the retail giant’s Coventry fulfilment centre.
The legally binding ballot, overseen by the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee, could force Amazon to recognise a trade union.
Recognition would mean Amazon would have to negotiate with GMB on terms, pay and conditions for Amazon workers at the site.
It would be the first time Amazon has recognised a trade union in UK history.
The strike vote comes after the year-long dispute between GMB union members and Amazon, which has seen over thirty days of strike action.
Amazon has been slammed in recent weeks for union-busting tactics in the lead up to the ballot and is already facing a legal challenge for pressuring workers into cancelling their union membership.
Workplace meetings on the ballot will begin from today [Wednesday 19 June] with voting from Monday 8 July.
The result will be announced after Monday 15 July.
Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“This is an historic moment.
“Amazon is one of the world’s most hostile and anti-union employers. They’re a multi-billion-pound global company investing huge energy to resist efforts by working class people in Coventry to fight for a better life.
“But right here Coventry Amazon workers have rejected Amazon’s attempts to smash their union.
“Instead, they’ve stood up to be counted and demanded the chance to vote on union recognition.
“Now Amazon workers, now the bosses, will decide”.
