Second Amazon warehouse joins strike

Amazon workers from a second warehouse are set to walk out after the GMB Union announced the outcome of a strike ballot at the company’s Rugeley fulfilment centre.

More than 100 workers at the West Midlands location are going to walk out after 86% of those who voted backed the strike. 

The West Midlands Amazon warehouse will now become the second site in the UK where workers have taken industrial action, a decision that has been labelled as a “game changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat its workers like human beings”.

The announcement comes as GMB reached 1000 members at the Coventry fulfilment centre after 22 days of strike action over better pay and union rights. 

Stuart Richards, GMB senior organiser, said: “We’ve seen one of the world wealthiest companies, offering UK workers a pay rise of pennies and work conditions fit only for the history books. It’s staggering that Amazon is still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain. 

“As GMB members in Rugeley plan for the picket line, it’s time for politicians and decision makers to finally confront the facts. If Amazon workers are being forced to the breadline by low pay, then why should the public purse be open to Amazon?”