An Amazon warehouse in the United Kingdom is facing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, prompting concerns among workers who are considering a walkout following the confirmation of multiple cases of the disease.
The GMB union has demanded the immediate closure of Amazon’s Coventry site, alleging that the online retailer has endangered its staff by exposing them to a highly infectious disease. The warehouse, which employs approximately 2,000 workers, with around 700 being GMB members, has reported several cases of TB.
Last September, Amazon disclosed that 10 individuals at the facility had tested positive for non-contagious TB. Subsequently, the company stated that no new cases had emerged, allowing operations to continue as usual. Amazon initiated a screening program as a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
In response to the situation, the GMB union is urging Amazon to place its employees on medical leave with full pay until effective infection control measures are put in place to prevent the spread of TB. GMB Senior Organiser Amanda Gearing emphasized the need for immediate and firm action, warning that failure to act could lead to a significant TB outbreak in Coventry.
The union’s stance underscores the importance of prioritizing employee safety and public health, urging Amazon to take swift and proactive measures to mitigate the risk of further infections.
