// Amazon staff at Coventry warehouse reveal 6 new strikes dates
// The strikes at its Coventry centre, known as BHX4, began in January
Amazon workers at its Coventry warehouse have unveiled six fresh strike dates after the online giant offered an “insulting” 50p-an-hour pay rise.
The strikes at its Coventry centre, known as BHX4, began in January and marked the first industrial action ever taken against Amazon in the UK.
Amazon staff are demanding pay of £15 an hour as the GMB union prepares to test support for stoppages among staff at another five of the delivery company’s sites.
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The GMB has said it signed up hundreds of new members among the workforce at Coventry and in Amazon sites further afield since the dispute began.
Amazon’s fresh pay rise for all its UK staff earlier this month was described as “insulting” after it offered an extra 50p per hour – representing a pay rise of only 1.8%-2.5%.
More than 560 workers are now expected to join in two three-day stoppages, one from 16-18 April and another from 21-23 April.
Previously fewer than 300 staff were involved. The union believes it is edging closer to the 50% membership that would allow it to apply for statutory recognition.
The GMB will also consider the appeal for strike action among other Amazon workers by holding consultative votes at another five distribution centres: Coalville and Kegworth, both in Leicestershire; Mansfield in Nottinghamshire; Rugeley in Staffordshire; and Rugby in Warwickshire.
If these votes yield positive results, formal strike ballots could then be held.
“We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages, and we’re pleased to be announcing another increase for our UK teams,” Amazon said.
“Over the past seven months, our minimum starting pay has risen by 10%, and by more than 37% since 2018. We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities.”
The retailer does not voluntarily recognise or negotiate with unions. It said the Coventry dispute involves less than 1% of its total UK workforce.
