Union to hold ballot at Amazon warehouse

It could be the first time that a UK union is recognised by Amazon

The GMB union says it has won the right to hold a union recognition ballot at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry.

The independent body responsible for overseeing the vote, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), is expected to announce in the coming days when the ballot will take place.

If it wins, the GMB said the online retailer would have to recognise a UK union for the first time.

Amazon said that its employees have always had the choice of whether or not to join a union.

“We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.

"We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities," the online retailer added.

The GMB said voting could take place by post and the campaign was expected to last a month, meaning the union could be recognised in June.

Amazon, however, said it was not yet agreed how the ballot would be carried out.

A minimum of 1,545 workers must vote in favour of union recognition for a majority result to be secured.

News of the ballot follows industrial action at Coventry and other Amazon sites, over pay and union rights.