Amazon workers in Coventry target Black Friday for further strike action

Over 1,000 Amazon warehouse workers are set to strike for four days next month, including Black Friday, in a dispute over pay.

Employees at the retail giant’s Coventry distribution centre will strike on 7-9 November and on Black Friday, 24 November, the GMB Union said.

The new strike dates come after Amazon announced on Monday that it would be increasing the hourly pay for its warehouse workers to between £11.80 and £12.50 per hour, effective 15 October.

This is set to rise again next April to between £12.30 and £13 per house, depending on location.


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Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey said: “We have some of the most talented colleagues around, and we’re proud to offer them competitive wages and benefits, as well as fantastic opportunities for career development, all in a safe and modern work environment.

“We prepare year-round for the festive season, so we’re also excited to have more than 15,000 seasonal positions available this year to help delight our customers.

“We look forward to welcoming back colleagues who return year-after-year to work at Amazon along with many who will join the seasonal team for the first time.”

GMB organiser Rachel Fagan said: “This news will bring little comfort to the thousands of Amazon workers facing poverty pay, unsafe working conditions and workplace surveillance.

“Amazon has spent millions fighting their own workers over union rights and fair pay.

“GMB members have forced a pay rise from one of the world’s most powerful corporations – but Amazon can and must do better.”

More than 900 Amazon warehouse workers in Coventry walked out in July, with the first two action days coinciding with the retail giant’s Prime Day sales event.

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