Amazon workers have scored a big win as their legal challenge against the company begins.
A ruling during a preliminary hearing at London Central Employment Tribunal yesterday [Tuesday] means Amazon staff will now have their full evidence heard about the company's union-busting actions when the case begins.
The next hearing is on 19 December 2025.
Amazon’s lawyers had attempted to force a separate hearing on a technical point that would have shielded Amazon from having to explain their actions.
The case centres around Amazon’s behaviour ahead of a vote, which saw 49.5 per cent of the 2,600 workers back union recognition at the Midlands facility in July last year, falling short by just 28 votes.
The result followed weeks of anti-union campaigning at the Coventry site, including bosses plastering QR codes across the warehouse that encouraged and made it easier for GMB members to leave the union.
Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
"It's been clear from the launch of the claim Amazon’s tactics are tie the case up in red tape and bog it down with technical detail.
“Amazon’s legal team pushed for a separate hearing on whether the QR codes constituted an ‘offer’ - a hearing that would deny GMB members the opportunity to talk about everything they experienced in the warehouse.
“Thankfully the judge agreed and ruled against a preliminary hearing on this issue alone – meaning the whole story will now be heard.”
