// Amazon staff staging the company’s first-ever UK strike are “determined to win”
// The strike action and refusal to negotiate is expected to cost Amazon over £2m
Amazon staff responsible for the company’s first-ever UK strike are “determined to win” as they demand better pay and working conditions.
The strike action and refusal to negotiate is expected to cost Amazon over £2m, according to GMB figures.
More than 350 workers walked out and joined the picket line outside the Amazon BHX4 depot in Coventry this week.
GMB said its strike fund has received donations as workers receive continued support from the local community.
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GMB regional organiser Finbar Bowie said Amazon is one of the world’s wealthiest corporations and is being taken on by a group of low-paid workers from the West Midlands, Retail Week reported.
“It’s a big contrast of power and you can’t help but see the David and Goliath angle to it,” she said.
“The workers are boiled up and absolutely determined to win this as they’ve got clear demands. We’re asking Amazon to talk pay and that’s the bottom line.”
He added that Amazon does not recognise the union or “necessarily engage with the specific points we ask of them”. Striking workers are yet to hear from the employer regarding a deal.
Amazon said a small proportion of its workforce is involved in the strikes.
The strikes are set to continue on March 2 and for five consecutive days between March 13 and 17.
