Government gives green light to recognize GMB union

UK affiliate of UNI Global Union The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the UK government body responsible for regulating collective bargaining between employees and employers, has today accepted GMB's request for a referendum on union recognition at the company's Coventry warehouse. Amazon workers are one step closer to becoming the first recognized trade union at a retail giant in Europe.

Matthias Bolton, Head of Trade at UNI Global Union, said: “Today marks a turning point for workers' rights at Amazon in the UK and around the world. The UK Government's acceptance of the GMB's application for union recognition in Coventry is a historic step for Amazon to deliver. This victory for workers to shape their working conditions and their lives is an important step for companies like Amazon. Underscoring the vital role of collective action in delivering truly meaningful change to organizations “we must continue to fight for such union initiatives. So the voice of workers is heard and respected.”

Senior GMB organizer Amanda Gearing said:

“Since day one of the GMB, it has been a modern-day battle between David and Goliath for trade union rights in the Amazon.

“A year later, it is a truly historic moment when workers are fighting back against the company's relentless anti-union campaign.

“Workers have prevailed against all opposition and are now legally bound to establish Europe's first recognized trade union in the Amazon.

“Amazon bosses have received a clear and unambiguous message from their own workers that they reject low wages and unsafe working conditions; they demand dignity in the workplace and a union to represent them.

The development follows a major labor mobilization in a year that has boosted union membership at the Amazon factory in Coventry.

The push for unionization at Amazon UK is part of a wider global movement. In November, the GMB joined international unions in organizing strikes and protests on Black Friday under the slogan “Make Amazon Pay”. Co-organized by the UNI Global Union, this global campaign highlights the widespread demand for better working conditions and fair treatment for Amazon workers around the world.

Representing more than 20 million workers in 150 countries, UNI Global Union works to ensure that skilled and service sector jobs are decent jobs and that workers' rights are protected, including the right to union representation and collective bargaining.