An Amazon warehouse in the United Kingdom is facing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, leading workers to consider walking out following the confirmation of several cases of the disease. The GMB union has demanded the immediate closure of Amazon’s Coventry site, alleging that the online retailer is endangering employees by exposing them to a serious infectious disease. With approximately 2,000 workers at the warehouse, around 700 are members of the GMB union.
Last September, Amazon disclosed that 10 individuals at the facility had tested positive for non-contagious TB. Subsequent investigations did not reveal any additional cases, allowing operations to continue as usual. A spokesperson mentioned the implementation of a “screening program” as a precautionary measure in response to the situation.
Following guidance from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), affected employees were promptly informed of the circumstances. Amazon reiterated its commitment to adhering to expert advice and emphasized the importance of responsible communication in matters concerning public health.
The GMB union is urging Amazon to place its employees on medical suspension with full pay until adequate infection control measures are established to prevent the further spread of TB. Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action, expressing concerns about the risk posed to workers, visitors, and the local community by Amazon’s operations in Coventry.
Gearing warned of the potential for a significant TB outbreak in Coventry if urgent steps, including the temporary closure of the Amazon facility, are not taken to avert the situation.