Workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse are to strike for a week.
More than 350 staff at the West Midlands fulfilment centre will walk out on 28th February, 2nd March and from 13th-17th March.
The warehouse workers became the first Amazon employees in the UK to strike on 25th January as they demand wage rises to £15 per hour.
Announcing the industrial action, the GMB Union said the fact that they will earn just 8 pence above the minimum wage in April 2023 is “sickening”.
Amazon’s pre-Christmas pay offer of 50p per hour – rising to £10.56, equivalent to 5% and well below inflation – was dismissed by the union.
“This unprecedented week-long strike shows the anger among Amazon workers in Coventry,” said Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser.
“They work for one of the richest companies in the world, yet they have to work round the clock to keep themselves afloat.
“It’s sickening that Amazon workers in Coventry will earn just 8 pence above the NMW (national minimum wage) in April 2023.
“Amazon bosses can stop this industrial action by doing the right thing and negotiating a proper pay rise with workers.”
Amazon UK Services Limited paid £10.8 million in tax in 2021 on pre-tax profits of £204m.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved. In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot – and that includes those who voted against industrial action.
“We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and we’re proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location. This represents a 29 per cent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018.
“Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands more – including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few.”