One of Swindon’s largest workforces unionising is still a possibility, claims the body looking to represent them.

Tensions have risen between e-commerce giant Amazon and the GMB union after workers at a warehouse in Coventry narrowly voted against unionising.

David McMullen, GMB's regional organiser for the Swindon warehouse, said: “While our Amazon members in Coventry fell agonisingly close to securing full union recognition, GMB is filing a legal challenge against the ballot result .

“GMB already has dozens of members at Amazon’s South Marston site, who are engaged with the union about winning a £15 hourly wage.

“I have no doubt that our members in Swindon will be keeping a keen eye on developments in the courts and the ballot result will only have strengthened their resolve not to be attacked by their own employer.”

Workers at Swindon’s Amazon depot in Symmetry Park protested for their right to unionise in November 2023 in solidarity with other striking Amazon workers in Coventry.

GMB lost the historic vote for union recognition in Coventry, with 49.5 per cent of workers voting for and 50.5 per cent against.

When asked to respond to GMB’s comments, Amazon stated: “We want to thank everyone who voted in this ballot.

"Across Amazon, we place enormous value on engaging directly with our employees and having daily conversations with them. It’s an essential part of our work culture.

“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.”

Amazon declined to comment on the possibility of unionisation at their Swindon locations, or about the legal action GMB has threatened.

Mr McMullen added: "GMB does not agree with the fact that the strike is over at all, despite what Amazon might wish or claim.

"One of the regional strike ballots missed the punishing legal threshold by three votes, but over 99 per cent of those ballots returned were in favour of taking action.

"GMB are continually in discussion with our members at the Swindon depot about how best to take that fight forward, which is not over by a long chalk.

“We are committed to supporting our members not just in reaching fair pay but in protecting them in the workplace so ambulances stop being a daily occurrence."