// Amazon warehouse workers in Coventry are set to strike today over pay
// The GMB union is calling on Amazon to pay its UK workers £15 an hour
Amazon workers at a warehouse in Coventry are set to strike today over pay, marking the first time the retail giant‘s UK employees have taken industrial action.
The GMB union is calling on Amazon to pay its UK workers £15 an hour to bring their wages in line with their American colleagues, who earn $18 an hour.
The GMB union, which has organised the strike, expects about 300 staff out of just over 1,000 to take part.
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GMB senior organiser Stuart Richards said: “Today, Amazon workers in Coventry will make history.
“They’ve defied the odds to become the first ever Amazon workers in the UK to go on strike.
“They’re taking on one of the world’s biggest companies to fight for a decent standard of living. They should be rightly proud of themselves.
“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.”
The GMB said it could set dates for further strikes over the company’s offer in the summer of a 50p hourly pay rise, which left hourly wages at £10.50.
Wednesday’s action at the Coventry warehouse, which provides stock to fulfilment centres, would not effect customers, Amazon said.
The retailer has previously said that fewer than 300 of its 1,400 workers in Coventry are affiliated to the GMB and, as the centre handles stock and not orders, customers will be unaffected.
Amazon said: “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.”
