Amazon UK could be forced to recognise a trade union for the first time after members of the GMB at its Coventry warehouse were granted permission to hold a legally binding vote.
The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the independent statutory body that adjudicates on collective bargaining rights, has ruled that a ballot should be held at the distribution centre to test support for union recognition, The Guardian reported.
A win would give GMB the right to discuss terms and conditions including pay, hours and holidays with the online giant.
It comes as the union has held several strikes at Amazon’s warehouse in Coventry since January last year in a dispute over pay and a seat at the table in negotiations with management.
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GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: “From day one of GMB’s fight for union rights at Amazon it has been a modern-day David and Goliath battle.
“One year on this is a truly historic moment as workers stand up against the company’s relentless anti-union propaganda.”
This is not the first time GMB has sought statutory union recognition. The union pulled its application to the CAC last year when it accused Amazon of hiring 1,000 extra workers to skew the decision. Amazon has denied the claims.
GMB filed a second application last month, believing it had signed up more than half the staff.
The CAC said on Thursday (18 April) that while it had not found that 50% of warehouse workers were members – which would have prompted immediate recognition – it did accept GMB’s bid for a ballot to be held.
GMB needs at least 40% of employees to vote “yes” in the ballot to secure recognition.
An Amazon spokesperson told Retail Gazette: “Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have.
“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.”
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