Exclusive:
The GMB union will call on Labour to give favourable treatment to firms who properly recognise unions when doling out government contracts
Amazon has been awarded taxpayer-funded public sector contracts totaling more than £1 billion in the past year – despite facing a legal challenge over alleged ‘union-busting’ tactics.
In July, the GMB union lost a bid for union recognition at the online retailer’s warehouse in Coventry by just 28 votes.
It led to complaints that “anti-union messages” were sent to employees by company bosses, and that multiple “anti-union seminars” were held at the warehouse.
And the union launched legal action against Amazon, who were accused of “pressuring workers” to cancel their union memberships during the ballot period.
GMB will raise the issue in a motion to Labour conference on Monday.
In the last year, Amazon has picked up £1.04 billion worth of contracts from departments including the Home Office, HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Justice.
The biggest spender was the Home Office with £450 million, followed by HMRC who forked out £350 million – both expenditures were for online hosting services.
GMB’s motion demands companies that recognise a trade union must be considered more favourably by public bodies when they weigh up who to award public contracts.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: “The Government needs to be absolutely clear with Amazon – if they want to keep trousering hundreds of millions of taxpayer cash, they need to treat workers with respect.
“That means proper pay, ending the punishing workloads and surveillance which makes staff sick and listening to workers’ voices through their union, the GMB.
“Repealing anti-trade union laws has been a good start, but Ministers must now forge ahead with promised reforms to archaic rules that make it so difficult for workers’ unions to be recognised.”
In a statement released following the ballot, Amazon said: “Across Amazon, we place enormous value on engaging directly with our employees and having daily conversations with them. 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.”
In relation to anti-union sessions, the company said: “Throughout the ballot process, attendance at Amazon employee meetings was entirely voluntary. Employees were informed of this when they were invited to a meeting and also at the start of each meeting.
“The GMB held similar meetings with our employees on site, which were also voluntary.”
A Government spokesperson said: “Our number one priority is economic growth and our plan for better workers’ rights is designed to help people into secure work and lead to a more productive workforce.
“We will publish a bold new National Procurement Policy Statement in February to harness the billions of pounds spent by public sector organisations each year and ensure commercial activity aligns with our missions”.
