COVENTRY Amazon warehouse workers have revealed they are set to strike on Wednesday, January 25.
This is set to be the UK’s first-ever Amazon strike, with further dates to be announced over the next few weeks.
The GMB Union said hundreds of workers voted to stage the walkout over the company’s 50 pence per hour pay offer.
The ballot, which closed on December 16 saw a majority of over 98 per cent of the union members at the site voting for the strike.
The union claimed Amazon UK Services Limited reported it paid just £10.8million in tax in 2021, despite recording a pre-tax profit of £204 million.
The GMB Senior organiser Amanda Gearing said the Coventry workers are ‘set to make history.’
She added: “They’ve shown they’re willing to put themselves on the line to fight for what’s right.
“But people working for one of the most valuable companies in the world shouldn’t have to threaten strike action just to win a wage they can live on.
“GMB urges Amazon UK bosses to give workers a proper pay rise and avoid industrial action altogether.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “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.”
