The union representing more than 350 staff at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry has announced seven more days of strike action in a bid to secure better pay.
The workers became the first ever employees of the online retailer in the UK to take strike action on 25 January. They will now walk out on 28 February, 2 March and from 13 to 17 March in their fight for £15 per hour.
Amanda Gearing, Senior Organiser at the GMB union, said: “This unprecedented week-long strike shows the anger among Amazon workers in Coventry. 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 in April 2023. Amazon bosses can stop this industrial action by doing the right thing and negotiating a proper pay rise with workers.”
Amazon is said to have offered a 5% rise, 50p more an hour on the current rate of £10.50. It also gave staff a £500 cost of living payment at Christmas.
A spokesperson for Amazon noted that the workers going on strike represented only a small proportion of its 1,400-strong workforce at the Coventry site.
They added: “We’re proud to offer competitive pay, starting at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location. This represents a 29% 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.”
Amazon noted that the strikes would have no impact on customers as the centre handles stock and not orders.
