Amazon workers in Coventry stage two more strike days

GMB Union members at an Amazon fulfilment centre in Coventry staged a strike yesterday (24 May) with another planned for tomorrow (Friday 26 May). 

This takes the total number of days on the picket line to 16 for the union members, who are still aiming for £15 per hour, according to GMB Union.  

Around 700 Coventry workers are expected to walk out on the two days of strike action. 

As things stand, Coventry Amazon workers are still awaiting the outcome of their union recognition bid to the government’s Central Arbitration Committee. 

Following prior strike action in Coventry, Amazon workers in Rugeley and Mansfield have now also voted on joining the strike action.

Amanda Gearing, senior organiser at GMB, said: “Our members won’t accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world wealthiest corporations. The mood amongst GMB members on the picket line is sky high. They’ve had huge support from local people here in Coventry and from fellow Amazon workers around the globe.

“Meanwhile, Amazon top brass are reaching for desperate Jekyll and Hyde tactics towards its own workforce. One day they’re promising vouchers and competitions to win over staff, the next they’re setting up barriers around their fulfilment centres to keep staff union representatives away.”

She added: “Our members won’t be convinced by anything less that £15 and for Amazon to talk pay with their union.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. 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.”