HUNDREDS of Amazon workers at a Coventry warehouse are staging the first-ever UK strike over pay concerns today.
The fulfillment centre staff voted to walk out over the company’s 50p-per-hour pay offer.
A total of 98 per cent of the GMB Union members voted for the industrial action.
GMB claimed Amazon UK Services Limited reported it paid just £10.8million in tax in 2021, despite recording a pre-tax profit of £204million.
GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards said the Amazon workers had ‘made history’.
“They’re taking on one of the world’s biggest companies to fight for a decent standard of living and should rightly be proud of themselves.”
His words were echoed by Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi who too backed the action.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce are involved.
“In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of one per cent of our UK employees voted in the ballot – and that includes those who voted against industrial action.”
They added Amazon appreciated the great work its teams did and was proud to offer competitive pay which started at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45-per-hour, depending on location.
