Hundreds of Coventry-based Amazon warehouse workers have begun a multiple-day strike over a pay row as of this week.
Around 600 members of trade union GMB walked out at 6.30am today (Monday 17 April) as part of the dispute, asking for a pay rise to £15 an hour.
According to Amazon, only a small portion of its Coventry workforce are involved in the pay dispute. It stated that its pay is above the national living wage of £10.42 per hour and the real living wage, which is £10.90 across the UK and £11.95 in London.
The employees went on strike earlier this year in February and also have more dates planned for later this week, 21-23 April.
The union has asked members at Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, Coalville and Kegworth in Leicestershire, Rugeley in Staffordshire and Rugby in Warwickshire to vote on whether they would be willing to take part in industrial action.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages, and recently announced another increase for our UK teams. Over the past seven months, 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.”
Amanda Gearing, GMB’s senior organiser, added: “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. Six further days of strike action in Coventry is a clear statement from our members they are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations. With workers at five further sites starting ballots for industrial action this month, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently talk pay now.”