Amazon workers threaten pay strike

Amazon is facing the threat of industrial action by some of its workers over pay.

The GMB union said more than 300 employees at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry voted in a consultative ballot that they are prepared to take action.

A formal strike ballot would have to be held before any action is taken.

The GMB said it will now meet members to discuss the next steps, including a potential formal strike ballot.

Senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: “Amazon workers are rightly furious and they are ready to walk out.

“They’re being offered a 35p-an-hour increase during the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation – and that’s from a company worth more than £1 trillion.

“If Amazon wants to keep its empire running, it needs to get round the table with GMB to improve the pay and conditions of workers.”

Amazon said in a statement: “Starting pay for Amazon employees has increased to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 an hour, depending on location.

“This represents a 29% increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon associates since 2018.

“On top of this, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals, an employee discount and more, which combined are worth thousands of pounds annually, as well as a company pension plan.”