Union members unfurled a banner next to Sherwood Forest's Major Oak as they called on online giant Amazon to change its trade union rules.
The protest on Wednesday, June 7, urged company boss Jeff Bezos to sign up to a declaration of neutrality, which includes commitments that recognise its workers’ rights to unionise.
Sam Luczynski, a worker for Unite the Union, said of the protest: “In the East Midlands we try to do one protest a week.
“There were a few people at Major Oak already and they gave us a round of applause when we arrived.
“We are yet to have a breakthrough with Amazon, this is a national campaign, and we are in contact with other unions across the country, but as far as I am aware we have had no response to our letter which was sent to Jeff Bezos who is still the ultimate owner."
According to a Survation poll that included 2,000 UK residents, more than 70% of people in the Midlands believe Amazon staff should be able to join a trade union without interference.
The research also showed that since the Coronavirus pandemic employees working for the organisation are now valued more by the public.
Unite Executive Officer Sharon Graham said: “The public strongly supports Amazon workers’ right to trade union representation regardless of whether the workers are directly employed or if they work in the gig economy.
“Unite is calling on Jeff Bezos to back a declaration which guarantees that Amazon workers in the UK and Ireland have the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: "We respect our employees’ right to join, form, or not to join a labour union or other lawful organisation of their own selection, without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment. Across Amazon, including in our fulfilment centres, we place enormous value on having daily conversations with each team member and work to make sure direct engagement with our employees is a strong part of our work culture. The fact is, we already offer excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern work environment. The unions know this.”
