Strike action escalates at Amazon in Coventry
Amazon workers in Coventry are set to strike for another six days of industrial action, bringing the total strike days at the site to 14.
GMB stiles will see more than 560 workers at the Coventry warehouse downing tools on 16 – 18 and 21 – 23 of April.
Meanwhile, hundreds of GMB members will begin ballots for industrial action at five further fulfilment centres across the Midlands:
- Mansfield in Nottinghamshire
- Coalville in Leicestershire
- Kegworth in Leicestershire
- Rugeley in Staffordshire
- Rugby in Warwickshire
The ballots will ask GMB members if they are willing to strike over a 50p pay rise.
Amazon Coventry staged the first ever UK Amazon strike, regardless of the fact the business does not recognise the union.
Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Industrial action is growing and this could fast become a summer of strike chaos Amazon.
“Three months ago Amazon told our members there was no money left for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike action we’ve forced Amazon to sit up and take notice.
“Six further days of strike action in Coventry is a clear statement from our members they are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
“With workers at five further sites starting ballots for industrial action this month, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages, and we recently announced another increase for our UK teams. Over the past seven months, our minimum pay has risen by 10% and by more than 37% since 2018. We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities. These are just some of the reasons people want to come and work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career.”
The spokesperson also made the following points:
The minimum starting pay for Amazon employees will be between £11 and £12 p/h, depending on location
This means Amazon has invested over £125M on pay rises for UK hourly paid workers over the last seven months
We regularly review and increase Amazon hourly employee wages – we always have
Our pay is well above the National Living Wage (£10.42 p/h from April 1)
Our pay is also above the Real Living Wage – the UK the rate will be £10.90 and £11.95 in London
Full-time, part-time and seasonal frontline employees received an additional one-time special payment of up to £500 at Christmas as an extra thank you
This is alongside the excellent benefits we offer including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount on Amazon
We also provide excellent career development opportunities, including Career Choice, where Amazon will pay 95% of an employee’s tuition fees to help them fulfil their work ambitions
