Manager at Amazon 'fired over union link'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The world's biggest distributor of Harry Potter novels was accused yesterday of practising dark arts against trade unionism.
A former manager at the internet bookseller Amazon said he was sacked for suggesting he might join the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G).
Alex Ferguson told an employment tribunal that senior managers often held "war room" meetings at which they discussed which staff were in a union and who was likely to become a member. Mr Ferguson, who worked in Milton Keynes, declared an interest in union membership on 11 July and was fired three days later.
The company strongly denied Mr Ferguson's allegations, saying his dismissal was a result of "poor performance". But Mr Ferguson said he was one of the few managers to receive a pay rise a month earlier.
In a statement to the tribunal in Bedford, he said: "Because of my work record and the appreciation shown to me, I was totally shocked at my dismissal and believe that it was because of my intention to join a trade union."
Ron Tindall of the T&G said: "Amazon has shown the lengths it will go to keep unions out. But unlike Harry Potter, the company cannot wave a magic wand and make our union vanish.''
The hearing continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments