1,000 Amazon workers begin Black Friday strike action

Industrial action has been taken by 1,000 workers at Amazon in Coventry, with staff downing tools for the next two days.

GMB Union members will go on strike on November 8 and 9, as well as Black Friday on November 24.

The union has also announced a strike ballot at Amazon’s new flagship Birmingham fulfilment centre.

Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, said: “Today more than 1,000 GMB members at Amazon will down tools and take to the picket line in the first day of strike action leading to Black Friday.

“This is an unprecedented and historic moment with low paid workers taking on one of the world’s most powerful corporations.

“This action will bring the total days lost at Amazon to strike action to nearly 30. Now we’re seeing industrial action snowballing with workers launching a new strike vote at Amazon Birmingham.

“With a winter of strike chaos looming, it’s time for Amazon bosses to urgently listen to their workers”.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. By April 2024, our minimum starting pay will have increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% 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.”