DEMONSTRATIONS are set to take place at the Amazon warehouse near Carlisle this morning as voting begins in an 'historic' workers’ rights ballot.

Amazon workers from across the country are rallying as their colleagues at the online retail giant's Coventry warehouse cast the first votes in their bid to force Amazon to recognise a union for the first time in the UK.

A separate rally outside Amazon’s London HQ will see TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell joined by Amazon workers and supporters.

The vote in Coventry follows a three-week period which saw union representatives granted access to Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre by the Government’s central arbitration committee.

More than 3,000 workers will take part in the ballot – if a majority of them vote yes, Amazon will be forced to negotiate pay, terms and conditions with GMB Union.

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, claimed the workers in Coventry had had poor pay 'thrust' on them by Amazon.

“They want the same fair pay and safe conditions any of us would demand," he said.

“Amazon has had every chance to do the right thing; now workers are taking things into their own hands to make work better.”

The vote runs until Saturday, July 13, with a result expected on July 15. 

Amazon have been contacted for comment.