eCommerce giant Amazon could face strikes at two further UK warehouses following 14 days of industrial action at its Coventry depot earlier this year.
The GMB Union launched ballots at Amazon’s fulfilment centres in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and Rugeley, Staffordshire on Friday, with up to 150 members invited to vote on strike action up to the deadline of 9th June.
The Coventry action saw as many as 700 workers down tools, according to the union, in the UK’s first strike at an Amazon fulfilment centre.
As many as 150 workers are expected to be asked to vote in the ballot.
“Amazon workers are fighting back against a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations,” said Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser.
“This escalation will now see workers in two further fulfilment centres asked to have their say on downing tools and walking out to deliver pay justice.
“We’ve already seen enormous enthusiasm from workers at Mansfield and Rugeley to take action, now it will be up to their union to move forward with the campaign.
“We warned Amazon that this could fast become a summer of strike chaos if they refused to sit down and talk pay. Amazon Coventry workers have risen up, now we are seeing a domino effect.
“With strike action escalating and historical union recognition on the horizon, it’s time for Amazon to get real and get around the table.”
An Amazon spokesperson told BusinessCloud: “Amazon respects 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.”
In Crypto: ChatGPT boss closes on $100m for Worldcoin project