Amazon workers in Coventry begin first ever strike ballot in UK

Amazon workers at a Coventry warehouse will become the first in the UK to take part in a formal strike ballot.

Hundreds of workers will today begin voting on whether to walk out in anger over the company’s 35 pence per hour pay offer.

The ballot closes on 19 October, with any industrial action likely to take place in November, the GMB Union said.

The union said Amazon workers across the UK have staged informal protests at a three per cent pay offer from the company.

Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser, said: “These Amazon worker will be the first ever in the UK to take part in a formal strike ballot – they’re making history.

“They’re being offered 35p an hour during the worst cost of living crisis in a generation – and that’s from a company worth more than £1 trillion.

“Understandably, they are furious. Amazon can afford to do better. It’s not too late to avoid strike action; get round the table with GMB to improve the pay and conditions of workers.”

Amazon said: “Starting pay for Amazon employees has increased to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 an hour, depending on location.

“This represents a 29% increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon associates since 2018.

“On top of this, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals, an employee discount and more, which combined are worth thousands of pounds annually, as well as a company pension plan.”