Workers of Amazon have protested at various locations across the UK as the first votes are cast in a landmark workers’ rights ballot at the Coventry warehouse.
More than 3,000 Amazon employees are set to participate in a ballot that could establish union recognition within the company’s UK operations for the first time.
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The voting marks a significant step in the ongoing battle for improved employee rights at the e-commerce giant.
The ballot follows a three-week period during which union representatives were allowed access to Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre by the Central Arbitration Committee.
If a majority of the workers vote in favour, Amazon will be legally bound to engage in negotiations with the GMB union regarding pay and terms of employment.
The voting process is scheduled to continue until 13 July 2024, with the outcome expected to be announced on 15 July.
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By GlobalDataDemonstrations are simultaneously taking place in England, Wales and Scotland, with a separate rally organised outside Amazon’s London headquarters.
GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: “Workers have come together because of the poverty pay and unsafe conditions Amazon has thrust upon them.
“They want the same fair pay and safe conditions any of us would demand. GMB members face shocking levels of intimidation, fear and abuse at the hands of bosses for daring to fight. Amazon has had every chance to do the right thing; now workers are taking things into their own hands to make work better.”
A judge in the US has dismissed a class action lawsuit accusing Amazon of misleading consumers by hiding cheaper product listings with slower delivery times, a Reuters report has stated.
US District Judge Marsha Pechman in Seattle ruled that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated how they were harmed and allowed 30 days to amend their lawsuit.
In June 2024 the e-commerce major faced a class action lawsuit in the UK for the alleged misuse of retailer data and manipulation of its Buy Box feature to benefit its commercial operation.
