Amazon staff set for more strikes after ‘insulting’ pay offer
The GMB union now has more than 500 members at the Coventry site, up from a few dozen last year
Amazon workers in the UK are planning further strikes after receiving what they called an “insulting” 50p-an-hour increase in base pay for warehouse workers.
Amazon stated that it will increase the minimum starting salary of its UK workforce by at least 50p to between £11 and £12 per hour from April.
However employees have dismissed the pay rise as they continue to fight for a minimum of £15.
The pay rise will be implemented this weekend and Amazon stated that the increase in pay is above the legal minimum wage for those aged 23 or over, which rises to £10.42 from April.
The increase follows a number of strikes by Amazon warehouse staff in Coventry which started in January.
The workers became the first ever Amazon employees in the UK to take strike action on 25 January.
The GMB union now has more than 500 members at the Coventry site, up from a few dozen last year.
Amanda Gearing, a senior organiser for the GMB union, told The Guardian: “We’re listening to Amazon workers and the message is very clear: this new pay rate is an insult. “So, in response we will be consulting over the next few days and announcing a new wave of action.”
An Amazon spokesperson added: “We 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 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.”
