Amazon to hire 2,000 new staff as strikes spread to second warehouse

Amazon is to hire up to 2,000 people for its new warehouse in the northeast of England, which is due to open in October.

It comes as warehouse workers at a second location voted to walk out in a dispute over pay.

The ecommerce giant said on Tuesday it will hire a workforce of 1,000 initially before adding further staff when activity ramps up.

More than 100 workers at Amazon’s Rugeley fulfilment centre will join the picket line, after 86% voted to back the strike, the GMB union said.


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Senior organiser Stuart Richards said: “The is a game changing moment in the campaign to force Amazon to treat it’s workers like human beings.

“They’ve thrown everything at stopping this, but workers at Amazon Rugeley have organised and delivered a clear message that they demand fair pay and union rights.

“It’s staggering that Amazon are still trousering millions from the British taxpayer whilst treating UK workers with disdain.

“As GMB members in Rugeley plan for the picket line, it’s time for politicians and decision makers to finally confront the facts.

“If Amazon workers are being forced to the breadline by low pay, then why should the public purse be open to the Amazon.”

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