[UK] Workers at second Amazon warehouse vote to strike

On July 16, in the UK the GMB trade union announced that workers at an Amazon warehouse in Rugeley plan to strike in the wake of months of walkouts by employees at a company facility in Coventry, Common Dreams reports.

The GMB said that organisers will now plan strike dates for over 100 workers in Rugeley following an 86 per cent vote in favour of action.

Describing the move as "a game-changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat its workers like human beings," GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards said in a statement that "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."

He added, "It's staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain."

Employees and organisers have witnessed one of the wealthiest companies in the world "offering UK workers a pay rise of pennies and work conditions fit only for the history books," Mr Richards said. "It's staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain."

"As GMB members in Rugeley plan for the picket line, it's time for politicians and decision-makers to finally confront the facts," the organiser said. "If Amazon workers are being forced to the breadline by low pay, then why should the public purse be open to... Amazon?"

In a July 16 statement, Amazon told BBC News "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."

The strike plans of the Rugeley workers reportedly follow Amazon's confirmation last month that the fulfilment centre is poised for closure and staff will be offered positions at the company's new £500 million facility in Sutton Coldfield. It is expected to open in October with 1,400 employees.

The announcement also follows a walkout by hundreds of Amazon workers in Coventry which coincided with the online retail giant's Prime Day sales event. This brought the total strike days for the year to 22.

Source: Common Dreams

(Links and quotes via original reporting) 

On July 16, in the UK the GMB trade union announced that workers at an Amazon warehouse in Rugeley plan to strike in the wake of months of walkouts by employees at a company facility in Coventry, Common Dreams reports.

The GMB said that organisers will now plan strike dates for over 100 workers in Rugeley following an 86 per cent vote in favour of action.

Describing the move as "a game-changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat its workers like human beings," GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards said in a statement that "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."

He added, "It's staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain."

Employees and organisers have witnessed one of the wealthiest companies in the world "offering UK workers a pay rise of pennies and work conditions fit only for the history books," Mr Richards said. "It's staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain."

"As GMB members in Rugeley plan for the picket line, it's time for politicians and decision-makers to finally confront the facts," the organiser said. "If Amazon workers are being forced to the breadline by low pay, then why should the public purse be open to... Amazon?"

In a July 16 statement, Amazon told BBC News "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."

The strike plans of the Rugeley workers reportedly follow Amazon's confirmation last month that the fulfilment centre is poised for closure and staff will be offered positions at the company's new £500 million facility in Sutton Coldfield. It is expected to open in October with 1,400 employees.

The announcement also follows a walkout by hundreds of Amazon workers in Coventry which coincided with the online retail giant's Prime Day sales event. This brought the total strike days for the year to 22.

Source: Common Dreams

(Links and quotes via original reporting)