E-Commerce: Amazon workers in UK set for strikes over pay dispute

*GMB members are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations -Amanda Gearing, senior organiser, GMB

*Amazon replies, ‘we work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Hundreds of workers at e-commerce giant Amazon in the United Kingdom (UK) threatened to launch a strike at the weekend in a long-running dispute over pay.

ConsumerConnect learnt the members of the GMB union at the company’s Coventry Fulfilment Centre would commence three-day walk out from Sunday, April 16, 2023.

Further strikes are planned from April 21st to 23rd.

Amanda Gearing, senior organiser at GMB, said: “GMB members are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations.

“With strike in Coventry escalating and ballots under way in five further Amazon depots, this could fast become a summer of strike chaos at Amazon.”

Gearing also explained: “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.

“With workers at other Amazon sites now also balloting for industrial action, it’s clear Amazon needs to urgently get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”

Amazon responds to workers’ pay increase agitation

Commenting on the industrial dispute with its personnel in the UK, Amazon said the minimum starting pay for employees had increased to between £11 and £12 an hour, depending on location, agency report said.

The global tech giant said in a statement that “over the past seven months, our minimum starting pay has risen by 10 percent, and by more than 37 percent since 2018.”

Amazon stated: “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.”

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