An Amazon warehouse in the UK is facing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, leading workers to consider walking out following confirmed cases of the disease. The GMB union has demanded the immediate closure of Amazon’s Coventry site, alleging that the company has jeopardized staff safety by exposing them to a serious infectious disease. The warehouse, with approximately 2,000 employees, including around 700 GMB members, has been affected by the outbreak.
Last September, Amazon acknowledged that ten individuals at the facility had tested positive for non-contagious TB. However, the company stated that no additional cases had been detected, allowing operations to continue as usual. A spokesperson mentioned the implementation of a “screening program” as a precautionary measure.
In response to the situation, Amazon stated that they promptly followed guidance from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and informed all potentially affected employees. The company emphasized adherence to safety protocols and urged public organizations to communicate responsibly regarding public health matters.
The GMB union is urging Amazon to suspend its employees with full pay until appropriate infection control measures are in place to prevent further spread of TB. GMB’s Senior Organiser, Amanda Gearing, emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action, highlighting the risks posed to workers, visitors, and the community by potential exposure to the infectious disease.
The union warned of a potential large-scale TB outbreak in Coventry, insisting on urgent steps, including the temporary closure of the Amazon facility, to avert such a scenario.