Amazon workers at its Coventry warehouse have launched six fresh strike days over a dispute over pay.
The GMB union, which represents the workers, revealed over 500 of its members will will walk out for three days from the 16 April 16 and again from 21-23rd April.
“Industrial action is growing and this could fast become a summer of strike chaos at Amazon,” GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said.
“Three months ago Amazon told our members there was no money left for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike action we’ve forced Amazon to sit up and take notice.”
Click here to sign up for our newsletter
However, from next week ecommerce giant revealed it is increasing its minimum starting pay for its employees between £11 and £12 an hour depending on location.
Gearing added that the “pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations” will not be accepted, instead six further days of strike action in Coventry is a “clear statement” from the GMB members, that they are worth more.
She said: “With workers at five further sites starting ballots for industrial action this month, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”
The trade union also revealed it will be balloting its members at five more Amazon sites across the Midlands for strikes over pay disputes.
These locations include Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
Amazon claimed it “regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages, and we’re pleased to be announcing another increase for our UK teams.
“Over the past seven months, our minimum starting pay has risen by 10%, and by more than 37% since 2018. We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities.
“These are just some of the reasons people want to come and work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career.”
Amazon is ranked Elite in RXUK Top500 research, click here to download.
Image credit: Shutterstock
