Amazon workers are staging their first ever strike in the UK in a dispute over pay.
Members of the GMB at the company’s fulfilment centre in Coventry voted to walk out on Wednesday in protest against a pay rise the union said is worth 50p an hour.
Stuart Richards, GMB senior organiser, said: “Today, Amazon workers in Coventry will make history.
“They’re taking on one of the world’s biggest companies to fight for a decent standard of living.
“They should be rightly proud of themselves.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce are involved.
“In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot – and that includes those who voted against industrial action.
Tomorrow – Amazon workers will make history and strike.
RT if you support them in their fight ✊@AmazonUK
— GMB Union (@GMB_union) January 24, 2023
“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% 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.”
