// Amazon workers are meeting today to discuss the next steps of its industrial action, including the next strike date
// Warehouse workers in Coventry made history when they walked out in January over pay
Striking Amazon workers will meet today to plan the next steps of their industrial action, including the next strike date.
More than 350 employees at the retail giant’s Coventry Warehouse walked out on 25 January in a battle over pay.
The GMB union is calling on Amazon to pay its UK workers £15 an hour, which is equivalent to their American Colleagues’ $18 an hour rate.
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GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: “Amazon workers in Coventry have already made history, but they are hungry for more.
“The support the received during the first UK Amazon strike was incredible, but they know they need to keep fighting to win a decent standard of living.
“GMB urges Amazon bosses to get round the table and negotiate a pay rise that will stop further strikes.”
The GMB said changes to the national minimum wage coming into force in April will see Amazon become a minimum-wage employer, with its workers in Coventry earning 8p over the new rate.
In response to the industrial action, 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.”
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