Amazon Web Services (AWS) employees in Belgium have been elected as trade union representatives for the first time ever.
Trade unions are hailing the breakthrough as an opportunity for AWS workers to establish a collective bargaining system with their employer – which is the sixth-largest company in the world. The elected individuals ran with trade unions ACV Puls and BBTK in social elections in May.
"We congratulate our Belgian colleagues for what they have achieved and look forward to the positive changes this campaign will bring," commented Regional Secretary of UNI Europe, Oliver Roethiga.
"The success in Belgium is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when employees stand together. This success will undoubtedly energise other Amazon employees globally who are standing up for their rights."
From Canada to India, from the UK to Belgium, the movement to #MakeAmazonPay is growing. https://t.co/npfo10tRCM
— Daniel Kopp (@danielkopp_) June 12, 2024
The election victory is considered a "landmark development" given Amazon employees' long-term struggle to fight for better working conditions. In February, the European Parliament banned Amazon lobbyists from accessing the premises due to the tech giant's failure to allow MEPs to discuss working conditions and permit visits to sites.
Social elections are an important aspect of workers' rights in Belgium. Every four years, over 7,000 companies allow almost two million workers to appoint representatives to engage in social dialogue. This time round, the issue of working conditions took centre stage, including everything from meal vouchers to teleworking arrangements.
