Welcome to Union News, the podcast that brings you news from the Trade Union and labour movement in the UK. In this week’s episode: Amazon warehouse cleaners in Kent set to make history with union recognition deal, Glasgow airport staff to vote on strike action over below-inflation pay offer, and finally, Rail Workers in the UK Prepare for More Strikes Over Pay, Conditions and Job Security. Music is by Tim Bragg.
Amazon warehouse cleaners in Kent set to make history with union recognition deal
Cleaners at an Amazon warehouse in Kent, who are outsourced through contractor Phosters, are set to become the first British workers at an Amazon site to win union recognition, according to United Voices of the World (UVW). The staff have secured a concession from their bosses to negotiate a voluntary recognition deal, after they began balloting for strikes over pay. The UVW is demanding a minimum wage of £11.95 per hour. The news follows calls for Amazon to officially recognise the GMB union amid industrial action at its Coventry site, which could spread to other locations.
Glasgow airport staff to vote on strike action over below-inflation pay offer
Staff at Glasgow airport, employed by five different firms, are set to be balloted for strike action after rejecting below-inflation pay offers. Unite workers have refused pay awards that would leave hourly rates between £12.61 and £10.82 per hour. Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue warned that a “summer of travel chaos” could be on the horizon if the companies do not return with “fair and decent offers”. Glasgow airport is owned by AGS Airports, which is in ongoing dialogue with the union on pay discussions for this year.
and finally, Rail Workers in the UK Prepare for More Strikes Over Pay, Conditions and Job Security
Rail workers in the UK are preparing for strikes on Friday and Saturday as part of their ongoing struggle for better pay, working conditions and job security. Aslef train drivers’ union members will strike at 16 train operating companies on Friday, with more planned on 31 May and 3 June. Meanwhile, 20,000 RMT union members at 14 train companies will strike on Saturday. Train drivers have not had a pay increase since 2019 despite inflation running at 13.5%.
