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Union Demands Amazon Warehouse Closure Amid TB Concerns

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

General, Municipal, and Allied Trades Union (GMB) calls for closure of Amazon's Coventry warehouse and for staff to be sent home on full pay.
Amazon confirmed ten workers tested positive for non-contagious TB last year and said no new cases have emerged.
The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring with expanded screening.
Taiwo Owatemi, Coventry North West MP, urged Amazon to prioritise safety and address concerns transparently.

History

Historical Context

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, intensified scrutiny on workplace safety in the UK, particularly for large corporations like Amazon. In 2022, the GMB union urged Amazon to address health concerns after ten employees tested positive for non-contagious TB. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between labor rights and corporate practices, emphasizing the need for transparent health protocols to protect workers.

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Story summary

General, Municipal, and Allied Trades Union (GMB) calls for closure of Amazon's Coventry warehouse and for staff to be sent home on full pay.
Amazon confirmed ten workers tested positive for non-contagious TB last year and said no new cases have emerged.
The UK Health Security Agency is monitoring with expanded screening.
Taiwo Owatemi, Coventry North West MP, urged Amazon to prioritise safety and address concerns transparently.

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