Amazon workers in Coventry have rejected a landmark deal to form a trade union, in a blow to campaigners who called for the tech giant to recognise collective bargaining rights in the UK.
Results published on Wednesday revealed that 49.5pc of votes were in favour of a proposal put forward by the GMB Union, which has vowed to launch a legal challenge against the result. This was below the 50pc threshold to pass.
Union officials accused the US company of “union-busting” activities in the run-up to the poll, claiming bosses had targeted workers with an “unrelenting campaign” of anti-union messaging.
This allegedly included posters with QR codes that generated emails for workers to cancel their union membership.
It is also understood the GMB will raise the issue with the new Labour Government, which is planning a new employment rights law to make it easier for workers to access union rights.
Stuart Richards, a GMB senior organiser, said: “Amazon bosses have created a culture of fear for low-paid workers trying to improve their pay, terms and conditions. From day one Amazon have been relentless in their attacks on their own workforce.
“We’ve seen workers pressured into attending six hours of anti-union seminars on top of the fortune spent by Amazon bosses to scare workers.
“Workers have been told they will get no pay rise this year and will have to lose even more benefits if they vote for union recognition.”
He added: “This kind of union-busting has no place in 21st century Britain; it’s clear Amazon cannot be trusted to play by the rules that all other companies in the UK are expected to follow.”
An Amazon spokesman said: “We want to thank everyone who voted in this ballot. Across Amazon, we place enormous value on engaging directly with our employees and having daily conversations with them.
“It’s an essential part of our work culture. We value that direct relationship and so do our employees.
“This is why we’ve always worked hard to listen to them, act on their feedback, and invest heavily in great pay, benefits and skills development – all in a safe and inclusive workplace with excellent career opportunities. We look forward to continuing on that path with our team in Coventry.”
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