When we first started talking about seeking union recognition within our workplace, a sense of hope arose among all workers. It made us feel like we could have a voice and finally be heard. For years we have been actively campaigning and fighting, so it was our time to rise up. All we wanted was to be treated fairly, with respect and not made to feel like slaves.

Our fight was to be paid fairly. We demanded £15 an hour because it's disgusting that the biggest e-commerce company in the world has been paying their workers the bare minimum, whereas other, less profitable companies pay their employees much more. As a result, we went on multiple strikes.

However, Amazon did everything they could to stop workers from striking. For example, on strike days, Amazon managers would incentivize workers to come into work with food vouchers. They stood at the entrance in the morning and handed £2.50 food vouchers to anyone who chose to work that day instead of striking. I found this incredibly shocking, because I have spoken to many workers who work the entire ten-hour shift on an empty stomach. Many workers at Amazon come with their families from abroad. They spend money on rent, bills, buses to and from work, and they send a lot of money back home too.