Members of the GMB union at Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre will walk out on Sunday for three days. Further strikes are planned from April 21 to 23.
The Coventry site, also known as a ‘cross dock facility’, processes a huge volume of goods, which are then transported on to fulfilment centres in the UK and even Europe.
Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser, said: “GMB members are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
“With strike action in Coventry escalating and ballots under way in five further Amazon depots, this could fast become a summer of strike chaos at Amazon.
“Three months ago Amazon told our members there was no money left for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike action we’ve forced Amazon to sit up and take notice.
“With workers at other Amazon sites now also balloting for industrial action, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”
GMB is a trade union that represents workers in a variety of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, transport, and public services. The union was founded in 1889 as the Gas Workers and General Union, and it has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential trade unions in the United Kingdom.
Amazon said the minimum starting pay for its employees has increased to between £11 and £12 an hour, depending on location.
A statement said: “Over the past seven months, our minimum starting 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.”
The company has faced allegations of poor pay and benefits, unsafe working conditions, and a high-pressure work environment. In 2018, a report by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health named Amazon as one of the most dangerous places to work in the United States, citing reports of high injury rates and inadequate safety measures.
In response to these criticisms, Amazon has taken steps to improve working conditions for its employees. The company has raised its minimum wage for workers to $15 per hour, introduced new safety measures, and launched programs to support employee mental health and well-being. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address systemic issues within the company and ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect.
Overall, the issue of working conditions at Amazon and the role of Jeff Bezos in addressing these concerns remains a topic of debate and discussion.
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