Amazon workers to strike for second time

Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry have begun a second day of industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The action comes after workers were offered a 50p per hour pay increase, something they believe is not enough.

The GMB union is calling for a pay rise from the current £10.50 an hour up to £15 an hour, however Amazon does not recognise the union.

More than 350 staff at the Coventry warehouse have walked out today and they will also strike on 2 March and for five days between 13 and 17 March.

Staff at the warehouse made history on 25 January when they became the first Amazon staff in the UK to go on strike.

Stuart Richards, GMB senior organiser, said: Here in Coventry Amazon workers are again standing on the picket line after one of the world’s most profitable companies has denied them a wage they can live off.

“It’s a David and Goliath battle and our members are determined to make sure it ends with a pay rise they deserve.Morale is sky high and the support from local people in Coventry and Amazon workers around the world has been extraordinary. This is just the start of GMB members escalating their campaign for fair pay at Amazon.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved. In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot – and that includes those who voted against industrial action.

“We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and we’re proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location. This represents a 29 per cent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018. Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands more—including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few.”