Amazon UK is on the brink of recognising the GMB union as it wins ballot rights at the Coventry warehouse, signalling a potentially pivotal shift in labour relations for the company. Here’s the full story.
Haves and Have-Nots
The UK is increasingly becoming a country of the haves and the have-nots, with a persistent cost-of-living crisis putting an almost unimaginable squeeze on living standards. At the same time, massive corporations take in billions in profits due to rampant inflation.
However, in a rare win for the little guy, Amazon UK, the internet shopping behemoth, may be on the brink of having to recognise the GMB union.
The GMB union has won the right to hold a ballot at its massive warehouse in Coventry. Should the ballot initiative pass, it would mark the first instance of Amazon being forced to recognise a trade union in the UK.
Labour Relations
Amazon is one of the most powerful and wealthy companies on the planet, and this move could potentially reshape the dynamics of labour relations within the company.
This most recent change occurred after the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), an independent body that oversees collective bargaining rights, ruled in favour of conducting a ballot at the Coventry facility.
This ballot aims to gauge support for union recognition among the workforce. It could potentially impact negotiations on crucial matters such as hours, holidays, and, most critically, given the sorry state of the country’s economy, pay.
Do Not Go Gently
Amazon did not willingly submit to the demands for union recognition. Workers at the site have been participating in a series of strikes since January to force the company to offer them a £15 an hour wage and the right to collectively bargain for better working conditions and pay.
The GMB, representing the interests of Amazon workers, has been engaged in a protracted struggle for union recognition.
Amanda Gearing, a senior GMB organiser, told the Guardian, “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.”
However, the road to potential union recognition has not been smooth. Previously, the GMB withdrew an application for statutory union recognition, citing concerns over Amazon’s alleged manipulation of staffing levels to influence the decision-making process.
Union Busting
Amazon denied that it had hired over 1,000 extra staff to tip the scales of union support, though Amazon has a history of union busting in the USA in particular. Undaunted, the GMB persisted in their efforts, launching a renewed recruitment campaign to bolster support for unionisation among warehouse employees.
At the same time, Amazon increased its anti-union propaganda, even suggesting that the entire site could be closed down if employees unionise.
In its decision statement, the CAC refrained from immediately imposing recognition, as it found that less than 50% of the workers were union members. However, the committee endorsed the GMB’s request for a ballot despite this.
Seems Legit
Amazon maintains that its employees are always free to join a union. A company spokesperson stated, “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. Our minimum starting pay has increased to £12.30 and £13 an 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.”
Despite the company’s protestations, there have been previous reports of UK workers at the same Coventry warehouse having their hours cut for trying to organise a union. In the United States, the US Labour Board documents showed that Amazon had spent over $14.2 million on anti-unionisation efforts in 2022 alone.
However, the GMB union has their work cut out for them. To secure recognition, the union now faces the formidable task of winning majority support in the upcoming ballot.
Additionally, the “yes” votes must constitute at least 40% of the workforce. With the GMB representing 35.6% of the workers at the site, achieving this threshold presents a formidable challenge.
Another Union Victory?
As the GMB prepares for the upcoming ballot, the outcome holds significant implications for Amazon’s labour practices and could potentially signal yet another victory for unions in the UK following the last two years of strikes in almost every industry where unions are permitted.
As the rich continue to get richer and those at the bottom continue to suffer, it remains to be seen if this upcoming test of collective bargaining will affect the wages of not just Amazon UK workers but those of workers up and down the country.
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The post “Truly Historic” – Amazon’s Anti-Union Stance Faces Fierce Backlash From GMB first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.