West Midlands Amazon workers announce more strike action
It's in a dispute over pay and union recognition.
Last updated 16th Apr 2024
More strike dates have been confirmed at two Amazon fulfilment centres in the West Midlands, according to a leading union.
The strike dates come just days after GMB union members at the company submitted an application for mandatory recognition at Amazon to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).
The CAC - the Government body responsible for regulating collective bargaining between workers and employers - can force companies to recognise a trade union if more than 50 per cent of the work force are members.
Workers will down tools at the company’s Coventry fulfilment centre as well as at Amazon’s new flagship HQ in Birmingham, a £500 million site that only opened its doors in October.
Strike action will take place in Coventry on Tuesday 19and Wednesday 20 March and in Birmingham on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March.
Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, said:
“Fresh strike action will be a huge blow to Amazon bosses, just days after workers made their bid for union recognition.
“Now two Amazon sites will take strike action this spring to force the company to listen to workers.
“Amazon bosses may have hoped this campaign would fade away, but instead union membership at Amazon has exploded as more and more workers are standing up to demand Amazon listens.
“When Amazon are ready to listen, the message they'll hear is simple; £15 an hour and union rights for UK Amazon workers”.
An Amazon spokesperson said:
“We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. By April, our minimum starting pay will have increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% 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.”