BUSINESS SECRETARY INVITED TO MEET STRIKING AMAZON WORKERS AS THEY HEAD TO PARLIAMENT

Kemi Badenoch urged to hear first-hand how Amazon’s employment practises are hitting UK workers

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch MP, has been invited to meet striking Amazon workers as they head to Parliament tomorrow [Wednesday 14 June 2023]

Workers from the retail giant’s fulfilment centre in Coventry will meet MPs, including members of the Shadow Cabinet, in their fight to become to first workers in the UK to win trade union recognition at the internet giant.

More than 800 Amazon Coventry workers are on strike today [Tuesday] and tomorrow [Wednesday] – their 18th and 19th day of industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Meanwhile GMB Senior Organiser Amanda Gearing gives evidence about Amazon workers’ struggle to the Human Rights (Joint Committee) hearing into human rights at work. [See notes 1 for operational note]

GMB union was forced to withdraw its bid for recognition at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, accusing the shopping giant of “dirty tricks”.

The union claimed it had surpassed the number of members needed to secure recognition at the site – but that Amazon had taken on 1,000 extra staff to scupper the bid. [2]

GMB union this week released figures showing taxpayer cash spent on Amazon rocketed to a record-breaking £222 million last year [3].

Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:

“Amazon are raking in eye watering sums of cash from the public purse, whilst treating UK workers with disdain.

“It’s time for the Government to get off the fence on Amazon funding.

“If this amount of taxpayer cash is spent on a private company, the contract must come with guarantees on worker pay, health and safety and their right to be represented by formally recognised trade union.

“Our members have invited the Government’s top business official to hear from them first hand why it’s time for the Government to get off the fence.”