![[UK] Amazon workers stage the biggest walkout so far](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-East-Midlands-Gateway-Uk--Ju-458260387_3_1200x.jpg?v=1691186650)
Amazon is currently experiencing the "biggest day of industrial disruption in its [UK] history", according to union GMB, as staff in two huge distribution warehouses strike, ITV News reports.
Over a thousand workers from two sites are expected to walk out during the four days of action. Staff in Rugeley went on strike on August 3 and 4 and Coventry workers followed suit on August 4 and 5.
It has reportedly been a year since Amazon workers at the Coventry site began their campaign of industrial action over what they deemed an inadequate pay rise offer. Dozens of workers at the site began to unionise in response, joining GMB for the first time in the company's UK history.
Days lost to strikes by Amazon in 2023 will reach 26, once this round of walkouts has concluded.
The number of workers who have unionised and gone on strike is still a small proportion of those making up Amazon's huge UK workforce. However, GMB stated that the movement will spread beyond the 1,100 staff members who walked out this week.
Rachel Fagan - GMB Senior Organiser - said, "One year ago, Amazon workers downed tools in disgust after managers announced one of the world’s wealthiest companies would be offering a pay rise of just 35p.
“Twelve months on and Amazon is now facing the biggest week of industrial action in the company’s history – across two sites."
She continued, "This industrial action will spread further: it’s clear the fight for workers’ rights at Amazon is only just beginning."
Amazon is adamant that it offers "competitive wages and benefits", with a starting wage of between £11 and £12 per hour; above the UK minimum wage.
A spokesperson reportedly told ITV News that the retail giant has always and continues to regularly review and increase Amazon hourly employee wages.
In a statement, they 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.”
Impact on delivery services
The spokesperson said there are so few striking in comparison to those still in work, meaning deliveries are expected to run as normal.
When asked what impact today's strikes in Rugely might have on deliveries, the spokesperson said "none".
With reference to the potential impact of the strike action, he said: "There will be no disruption to customers. Our Coventry site does not directly serve customer orders.”
Source: ITV News
(Quotes via original reporting)
Amazon is currently experiencing the "biggest day of industrial disruption in its [UK] history", according to union GMB, as staff in two huge distribution warehouses strike, ITV News reports.
Over a thousand workers from two sites are expected to walk out during the four days of action. Staff in Rugeley went on strike on August 3 and 4 and Coventry workers followed suit on August 4 and 5.
It has reportedly been a year since Amazon workers at the Coventry site began their campaign of industrial action over what they deemed an inadequate pay rise offer. Dozens of workers at the site began to unionise in response, joining GMB for the first time in the company's UK history.
Days lost to strikes by Amazon in 2023 will reach 26, once this round of walkouts has concluded.
The number of workers who have unionised and gone on strike is still a small proportion of those making up Amazon's huge UK workforce. However, GMB stated that the movement will spread beyond the 1,100 staff members who walked out this week.
Rachel Fagan - GMB Senior Organiser - said, "One year ago, Amazon workers downed tools in disgust after managers announced one of the world’s wealthiest companies would be offering a pay rise of just 35p.
“Twelve months on and Amazon is now facing the biggest week of industrial action in the company’s history – across two sites."
She continued, "This industrial action will spread further: it’s clear the fight for workers’ rights at Amazon is only just beginning."
Amazon is adamant that it offers "competitive wages and benefits", with a starting wage of between £11 and £12 per hour; above the UK minimum wage.
A spokesperson reportedly told ITV News that the retail giant has always and continues to regularly review and increase Amazon hourly employee wages.
In a statement, they 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.”
Impact on delivery services
The spokesperson said there are so few striking in comparison to those still in work, meaning deliveries are expected to run as normal.
When asked what impact today's strikes in Rugely might have on deliveries, the spokesperson said "none".
With reference to the potential impact of the strike action, he said: "There will be no disruption to customers. Our Coventry site does not directly serve customer orders.”
Source: ITV News
(Quotes via original reporting)
