Amazon workers are preparing for a further wave of strikes in British warehouses in the coming days as disagreement over pay and conditions escalate, according to the Telegraph.
The announcement comes as workers at Amazon’s warehouse in Tilbury, Essex, walked out over what the GMB Union described as a “pathetic” pay offer of 35p last week (3 August and 4 August). Up to 1,500 staff were said to have gathered in the canteen in protest last Wednesday.
Further action is reportedly in the works as workers are seeking a £2 per hour pay rise to “better match” the demands of the role and cope with the cost of living crisis.
An Amazon spokesperson told Retail Sector: “Starting pay for Amazon employees will be increasing to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45p/h, depending on location. This is for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary roles in the UK.
“In addition to this competitive pay, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals and an employee discount among others, which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan.”
Steve Garelick, GMB regional organiser, added: “Amazon is one of the most profitable companies on the planet. With household costs spiralling, the least they can do is offer decent pay.
“Amazon continues to reject working with trade unions to deliver better working conditions and fair pay. Their repeated use of short-term contracts is designed to undermine worker’s rights.”
He said: “The image the company likes to project, and the reality for their workers could not be more different. They need to drastically improve pay and working conditions.”
