Amazon Coventry workers to extend strikes for six months

Amazon strikers in Coventry have voted for six more months of industrial action as the biggest walk out of the dispute so far took place yesterday (14 June). According to GMB Union, almost 800 Amazon Coventry workers went on strike today, with nearly 500 joining the picket line on the 19th day of industrial action. A 99% majority voted to extend the industrial action, on a turnout of 54%. Amazon workers from Coventry were also in Parliament to meet MPs yesterday, including members of the Shadow Cabinet. Government Ministers, including Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, have been invited. Meanwhile GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing gave evidence about Amazon workers’ struggle to the Human Rights (Joint Committee) hearing. GMB union was forced to withdraw its bid for recognition at Amazon's Coventry warehouse, accusing the shopping giant of “dirty tricks". The union claimed it had surpassed the number of members needed to secure recognition at the site but that Amazon had taken on 1,000 extra staff to ruin the bid. Gearing said: “The vote for six more months of strike action at Amazon Coventry shows these workers are in for the long haul. Almost 500 people on the picket line is incredible. “Amazon can pull all the dirty tricks it wants; hiring extra staff to deny workers their right to a voice in the workplace is an obstacle, but it is not unsurmountable. These workers are angry, they know their rights and they will not go away.” An Amazon spokesperson said: “We respect our employees’ rights to join, or not to join, a union. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern, work environment. At Amazon, these benefits and opportunities come with the job, as does the ability to communicate directly with the leadership of the company.”