"Amazon general manager denies trying to intimidate workers at picket", 3 March 2023

A general manager at Amazon Coventry has denied trying to intimidate striking workers by taking photos of cars at a picket line. At the Lyons Park entrance to the West Midlands warehouse of the retailer yesterday morning, GMB union members were assembled for day two of this week’s strikes as they continue their fight for a pay rise from £10.50 to £15 per hour.

GMB is not recognised by Amazon but members have walked out for the third time and are the only UK employees of the company to take industrial action. GMB officer and picket supervisor, Tom Rigby, approached Amazon boss Paul Roberts after he heard from some workers the manager was pointing his phone camera at their cars.

Mr Rigby filmed the interaction on his phone, asking Mr Roberts: "You've been going around taking pictures of people?" However, Mr Roberts denied any wrongdoing, saying on camera: "No sir, I took a picture of a couple of cars that were blocking the road."...

The LDRS was present at the altercation which Amazon's spokesperson has confirmed was a result of photos being taken for safety purposes, but "no filming" took place, they said...

Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said: “This morning several alarmed Amazon workers on strike raised allegations that a senior manager at Amazon Coventry, namely Paul Roberts, was taking photos of the area around our members picket line. These allegations are serious and when confronted by the union on this, Paul Roberts failed to explain why our members felt intimidated in this way.

“GMB will never accept intimidation of our members and we’ll protect their safety and right to strike throughout”...