Amazon Coventry: A near-miss that shook a corporate giant
Despite falling short of union recognition, workers’ courage and community solidarity have set a powerful precedent for organising in hostile environments, argues PHIL STREET
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SO NOW we know the workers at Amazon Coventry “fulfilment centre” have not achieved union recognition: 49.5 per cent voted for recognition — only 29 votes short.
The reaction has been a cross between exhilaration at an enormous sense of achievement, along with disappointment tinged by frustration about being so close. A reaction spread among workers, union officials and members of the Amazon Workers Supporters Group.
This dispute has not been strictly a company matter, it has engaged the wider community and the attention of the world.
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PHIL STREET takes a look at the Coventry and Rugby disputes, where expectations to work longer and longer hours pushed bin workers to breaking point – and explains why they deserve our full support
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Morning Star editor Ben Chacko reports on an event detailing GMB's campaign to unionise the Coventry warehouse addressed by regional organiser FERDOUSARA UDDIN and Amazon worker LOUVEZA IQBAL
