Staffordshire Amazon warehouse joins strike action
The Rugeley site is the second which will see workers walk out
Amazon workers will walk out at a second warehouse after the GMB union announced the outcome of a strike ballot at the company's Rugeley fulfilment centre
More than 100 workers at the West Midlands site are now set to walk out after 86 per cent of those who voted backed the strike.
The news comes as GMB reached 1,000 members at the Coventry fulfilment centre after twenty two days of strike action in the dispute over pay and union rights.
GMB members will now plan strike dates at what will be only the second Amazon site in the UK where workers have taken industrial action.
Stuart Richards, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
"The is a game changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat it's workers like human beings.
"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.
"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."
An Amazon spokesperson said;
“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.”