Catalogue Number
NMLH.2024.50.1
Object Name
Vest
Title
'GMB Midlands'
Place
Coventry, UK
People
GMB Union, Amazon
Events
Amazon unionisation dispute (2023-2024)
Description
A fluorescent orange hi-viz vest with silver reflective stripes. The front has the GMB Union logo on it, and has been autographed by a striking worker. The back carries the message 'I'm a BHX4 Amazon Coventry Striker with GMB Union!'
This hi-viz vest was worn during the dispute between employees at the Amazon warehouse in Coventry in 2023-2024 over their right to unionise. Amazon had refused to voluntarily recognise their employees as part of a union. After the union appealed to the arbitration service, the arbitrators confirmed that workers had the legal right to vote on whether or not to unionise. The ballot, taken in July 2024, failed by 15 votes, with 49.5% of the 3000 workers were in favour and 50.5% rejecting unionisation.
GMB reported that Amazon had resorted to intimidation tactics to pressure workers into not unionising, including requiring them to attend "six hours of anti-union seminars". Amazon argues that it is better for them to interact directly with their workers than to negotiate through a union, however collective bargaining and dispute support offered by unions often results in better working conditions for employees. Many suspect this is the true motivation behind Amazon's refusal to recognise unions in their warehouses. GMB have vowed to continue supporting Amazon workers in their attempts to unionise, despite this setback.
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