Employees at Amazon‘s Rugeley fulfilment centre are set to walk out following the result of a strike ballot.
According to trade union, GMB, over 100 staff at Amazon’s depot are set to strike after 86% voted to back the strikes.
The news comes as GMB has been in a bitter battle with the ecommerce giant recently after reaching 1,000 members at the Coventry fulfilment centre after 22 days of strike action in the dispute over pay and union rights.
“The is a game changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat it’s workers like human beings,” GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards said.
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They’ve thrown everything at stopping this, but workers at Amazon Rugeley have organised and delivered a clear message that they demand fair pay and union rights. We’ve seen one of the world wealthiest companies, offering UK workers a pay rise of pennies and work conditions fit only for the history books.
“It’s staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain.
“As GMB members in Rugeley plan for the picket line, it’s time for politicians and decision makers to finally confront the facts.
“If Amazon workers are being forced to the breadline by low pay, then why should the public purse be open to the Amazon,” Richards concluded.
An Amazon spokesperson told InternetRetailing: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. In less than a year, our minimum 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.”
