Amazon Faces Victorian Disease Outbreak in UK Warehouse; Union Demands Immediate Closure
Amazon is facing scrutiny following the confirmation of a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak at its fulfillment center in Coventry, UK. The GMB Union has reported multiple cases of TB at the facility, which employs around 3,000 workers. In response, the union is demanding the immediate closure of the site due to health concerns.
Details of the Tuberculosis Cases
In September, Amazon identified 10 cases of non-contagious TB among employees at the Coventry warehouse. Since then, the company has been collaborating with the National Health Service (NHS) to implement a screening program.
- Location: Coventry, UK
- Employees: Approximately 3,000
- Confirmed Cases: 10 cases identified in September
- Risk Level: Low, according to UKHSA
Amazon’s spokesperson stated that no new cases have been reported since the initial identification. The company continues to operate normally while conducting an “abundance of caution” screening process.
Union Response and Employee Concerns
The GMB Union is advocating for the immediate temporary closure of the warehouse, arguing that all staff should be sent home with full pay until proper infection control measures are evaluated. Zarah Sultana, the Member of Parliament for Coventry South, criticized Amazon for not closing the warehouse, highlighting the company’s negligence toward worker safety.
Sultana described the situation as “outrageous,” asserting that employees should not be subjected to unsafe conditions reminiscent of the Victorian era. She emphasized the importance of the trade union movement in safeguarding worker rights.
Health Guidance on Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Tiredness
- High temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
While latent TB typically shows no symptoms, it can become active later. The UK has seen a significant uptick in TB cases, with a reported 13.6% increase in 2024, totaling around 5,500 positive tests, according to data from UKHSA.
Conclusion
As Amazon navigates this TB outbreak, health officials remain vigilant. The company is committed to following expert guidance as it assesses the situation at its Coventry warehouse. The health and safety of its employees remain a top priority as screenings and precautionary measures continue.
