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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Tamlyn Jones

Amazon workers to stage a week of strike action

Workers at online retail giant Amazon are set to stage more walkouts after they announced a week of strike action.

Trade union GMB said around 350 staff at the fulfilment centre in Coventry would take part in industrial action on February 28, March 2 and from March 13 to 17.

This latest development follows the history-making strike on January 25 when Coventry employees became the first in Amazon's history in the UK to hold strike action.

GMB said the move was part of an ongoing row over pay as staff sought to secure a raise up to £15 per hour.

GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: "This unprecedented week-long strike shows the anger among Amazon workers in Coventry.

"They work for one of the richest companies in the world, yet they have to work round the clock to keep themselves afloat. It's sickening that Amazon workers in Coventry will earn just eight pence above the national minimum wage in April.

"Amazon bosses can stop this industrial action by doing the right thing and negotiating a proper pay rise with workers."

A statement from Amazon said: "A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved.

"According to the verified figures, only a fraction of one per cent of our UK employees voted in the ballot and that includes those who voted against industrial action.

"We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and we're proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.

"This represents a 29 per cent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018. Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands more including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few."

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