£500m Amazon centre to join strike action
Workers at Amazon’s new £500m flagship fulfilment centre have voted to join industrial action, just weeks after opening.
GMB Union has announced that workers will down tools on January 25 and will become the third Amazon workplace to face strike action.
An Amazon spokesperson has told TheBusinessDesk.com that: “Just 19 GMB members out of our 2,000 Sutton Coldfield fulfilment centre colleagues have voted in favour of industrial action. It will cause zero disruption for our customers”.
On Black Friday more than 1,000 staff at the Coventry site went on strike over low pay, adding to nearly 30 days of strike action in the last twelve months.
Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, said: “The industrial chaos Amazon faces isn’t going to disappear; it’s growing every day. We’re just weeks into the new year, but are already seeing the strike action spread to new Amazon workplaces.
“For workers to down tools at Amazon’s new Birmingham HQ, just weeks after it opened it’s doors, goes to show how furious Amazon workers in the UK are. One year on from the first strike day the message from GMB members at Amazon is the same; recognise our union and end poverty pay”.
The Amazon spokesperson also 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”.
