The People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester will unveil the “Deceptioncon” robot costume, a new symbol of workers’ rights protests, as part of its exhibition on contemporary and historical labour movements. The costume, created by GMB union members, was famously worn during the Amazon workers’ strike at the BHX4 warehouse in Coventry on Black Friday 2023, where it represented the workers’ sentiment of being treated like robots. The display runs from Friday 29 November 2024, to Monday 24 March 2025.
The Coventry strike saw workers demanding a pay rise to £15 per hour and union recognition, highlighting ongoing disputes as Amazon announced record revenues of $575 billion while pledging a pay increase to £12.30 by April 2024. However, union recognition remains unachieved a year later.
Lisa Peatfield, Collections Manager at PHM, emphasised the museum’s commitment to documenting both historic and current labor struggles. “Several objects from GMB’s strike action at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse have come into the collection at PHM,” she said. These include Deceptioncon, a placard from the picket line, and a hi-vis jacket worn by a union member. These objects join the museum’s extensive collection of labor movement artifacts, including items from the Grunwick and Miners’ Strikes.
The display of Deceptioncon will also inspire family-friendly activities in the museum’s Playful Protest Space during February 2025’s half-term holidays, offering creative ways for visitors to engage with themes of protest and workers’ rights.
PHM is the UK’s national museum of democracy, located in Manchester. Through an engaging mix of historical and contemporary collections, the museum tells the story of democracy’s development in Britain and highlights the importance of collective action for change. Known for its colorful banners, badges, and posters, the museum’s exhibitions inspire visitors to reflect on past struggles and empower them to imagine a fairer future.
The museum is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supported with public funding. Its efforts align with the ACE vision outlined in Let’s Create, which aims to make creativity accessible to everyone across England by 2030. Entry to the museum is free, and donations are encouraged.
To plan your visit and explore upcoming events, see the full listings at phm.org.uk.
