Key Highlights
- A confirmed TB outbreak at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry has prompted calls for the site to be shut down.
- The GMB Union has demanded that all staff be sent home on full pay until infection control measures are implemented.
- Amazon confirmed 10 members of staff had been diagnosed with tuberculosis, but stated no additional cases have emerged.
- The company is conducting a screening program in line with health guidance and remains open for business.
A Confirmed TB Outbreak at Amazon’s Coventry Warehouse Sparks Concerns Over Labor Safety
Amazon confirmed the presence of tuberculosis (TB) among its workforce at one of its warehouses in Coventry, West Midlands. The news has raised significant concerns over labor safety and sparked calls for immediate action from trade unions.
Union Response and Calls for Closure
The GMB Union, representing Amazon workers, demanded that the Coventry site be shut down immediately to prevent further spread of TB. Amanda Gearing, a senior organiser with the union, stated, “Immediate and decisive action, including the temporary closure of Amazon Coventry, is required. This is a corporation that clearly thinks it’s above the law, forcing people into conditions that belong in the Victorian era.”
MP Zarah Sultana from Your Party added her voice to the criticism, calling Amazon’s actions “outrageous.” She emphasized the need for workers’ protection and stated, “With multiple confirmed cases on site, the warehouse must be shut down immediately and workers sent home on full pay. This is a stark reminder of why the trade union movement was founded in the first place.”
Amazon’s Statement and Response
In response to the outbreak, Amazon stated that 10 members of staff at the fulfilment centre had tested positive for non-contagious TB in September. A spokesperson noted, “In line with best practice safety procedures, we immediately followed guidance from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and made all potentially affected employees aware of the situation.” The company further added that no additional cases have since been identified, and its site continues to operate as normal amid a “screening programme” being carried out with the NHS.
The spokesperson continued, “Out of an abundance of caution, we are currently running an expanded screening programme with the NHS. We will continue to follow guidance from the experts in the NHS, and would respectfully remind public organizations of the need for responsible communications where matters of public wellbeing are concerned.”
Health Implications and Expert Commentary
Dr Roger Gajraj, a consultant in health protection with UKHSA West Midlands, offered reassurance. He stated, “The small number of individuals affected by tuberculosis (TB) are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, so pose no onward risk.” However, he emphasized the need for precautionary measures: “As a precaution, and in line with national guidance, we are offering testing to those who may have had closer contact with the affected individuals. The overall risk remains low.”
According to statistics released by UKHSA, there was a 13.6% increase in active TB cases in England from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the ongoing public health concern.
Background and Broader Implications
This incident comes amidst growing scrutiny of working conditions at Amazon warehouses, particularly regarding labor safety and union rights. The confirmation of a TB outbreak underscores the potential risks faced by workers in such environments. As the debate continues over corporate responsibility versus economic efficiency, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health.
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