Amazon Distribution Center in Leeds UK

Amazon UK Workers Plan More Strikes in April

Amazon workers in the UK are ready to go on strike again next month, according to a message released by the GMB union.

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GMB strikes at Amazon are set to escalate as 560 members in Coventry announced six further days of walkouts on the 16th – 18th and 21st – 23rd of April.

Meanwhile, the union said that hundreds of GMB members will begin fresh ballots for industrial action at five further fulfillment centers across the Midlands at:

  • Mansfield in Nottinghamshire
  • Coalville in Leicestershire
  • Kegworth in Leicestershire
  • Rugeley in Staffordshire
  • Rugby in Warwickshire

The ballots — which opened today and will run for several weeks — ask GMB members if they are willing to strike over a 50p pay rise offered by Amazon management.

Amazon Coventry has been the focal point of three months of industrial action by GMB after they made history by staging the first-ever Amazon strike in the UK.

“Industrial action is growing and this could fast become a summer of strike chaos Amazon,” said Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organizer. 

“Three months ago Amazon told our members there was no money left for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike action we’ve forced Amazon to sit up and take notice. 

“Six further days of strike action in Coventry is a clear statement from our members they are worth more; they will not accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest corporations. 

“With workers at five further sites starting ballots for industrial action this month, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”

Amazon Workers Fight Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Amazon has over 75,000 workers in the UK, growing its permanent workforce by 40,000 workers in the past 3 years alone.

In a statement to Reuters, the company said, “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages, and we recently announced another increase for our UK teams.”

But with a cost-of-living crisis continuing to hang over many UK workers as they are struggling to make ends meet, unions are increasingly asking workers to participate in strikes.

However, it’s a double-edged sword, as Amazon is also looking to reduce its workforce and transition to more automated operations. There has to be a balance, but it appears Amazon management and workers in the UK are not on the same page.

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