AMAZON workers received a standing ovation as the GMB’s annual conference started today.

Union president Barbara Plant hailed the “glorious warriors” in their David-and-Goliath fight for union recognition at the retail giant.

Delegates at the Bournemouth International Centre stood and applauded the Midlands factory workers, who she said showed “the very best” of the union.

GMB filed legal proceedings against Amazon in April, accusing the company of widespread and “out-of control” attempts to coerce staff to cancel their trade union membership.

The challenge came days after the union won a formal recognition ballot at Amazon, a process that requires the union to prove it meets a membership threshold at one of the company’s fulfilment centres.

Ms Plant also acknowledged the recent challenges to GMB unity in her speech, telling delegates: “Our unity is needed more than ever: in the coming weeks there will be a general election.

“We have a golden opportunity to be at the heart of shaping a better future.”