Over 3,000 workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse were recently asked to vote on union representation by the GMB. However, the union fell just short with 49.5% of the 2,600 voters supporting union recognition, missing a majority.

As a result, the GMB cannot officially represent the workforce. They have launched a legal claim against Amazon, alleging pressure on workers to cancel union memberships during the voting period. The GMB declared their determination to continue fighting for recognition, stating, ‘This is just the beginning; the fire lit by workers in Coventry and across the UK is still burning.’

The GMB criticized Amazon for what they describe as an extensive anti-union campaign, including mandatory attendance at anti-union seminars and alleged threats of pay freezes and benefit cuts for supporting union recognition.

Amazon countered, stating their employees have always had the right to union membership. They emphasized their commitment to direct engagement with employees, listening to feedback, and investing in pay, benefits, and workplace safety.