Workers at Amazon in Coventry vote to strike
It'll be the first industrial action by Amazon workers in the UK.
Last updated 17th Dec 2022
Workers at an Amazon warehouse have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.
The GMB said its members in Coventry would be the first Amazon workers in the UK to take formal industrial action.
The union said hundreds of its members voted overwhelmingly to strike.
Any industrial action is likely to take place in the new year.
GMB official Amanda Gearing said: "Amazon workers in Coventry have made history - they will be the first ever in the UK to take part in a formal strike.
"They should be applauded for their grit and determination, fighting for what's right in the face of an appallingly hostile environment.
"The fact that they are being forced to go on strike to win a decent rate of pay from one of the world's most valuable companies should be a badge of shame for Amazon
"Amazon can afford to do better. It's not too late to avoid strike action; get round the table with GMB to improve the pay and conditions of workers."
An Amazon spokesperson said: "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.
"On top of this, we're pleased to have announced that full-time, part-time and seasonal frontline employees will receive an additional one-time special payment of up to £500 as an extra thank you."