Amazon workers on strike at Coventry Receive Centre

THE BBC has reported around 300 staff walked out at Amazon's Coventry warehouse, over what GMB called a ‘derisory’ 5% pay rise to £10.50 an hour.

The union is looking for £15 an hour for its workers.

GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards, said: “Amazon workers in Coventry have become the first ever Amazon workers in the UK to go on strike. After six months of ignoring all requests to listen to workers’ concerns, GMB urges Amazon UK bosses to do the right thing and give workers a proper pay rise.” 

An Amazon spokesperson said: “A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved. In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot - and that includes those who voted against industrial action.

“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.”