WORKERS at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse have announced a week-long strike after becoming the company’s first workers in the UK to take industrial action last month.
Staff at the West Midland fulfilment centre will walk out on February 28, March 2 and from March 13 to 17.
The GMB Union said over 350 staff are striking to be paid £15 per hour.
GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said the 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 eight pence above the 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.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved.
“In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1 per cent 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.
The spokesperson added employees are offered ‘comprehensive benefits’ worth thousands more, including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount.
