AMAZON workers have walked out in protest after being given a pay rise of just over three per cent.
The GMB union said hundreds of its members at one of the internet shopping giant’s UK warehouses were protesting the 35p an hour raise.
Workers at Amazon’s facility in Tilbury, Essex are seeking a pay rise of £2-per-hour in light of the crippling cost-of-living crisis.
It came on the same day the Bank of England announced the UK was heading for recession as it hiked interest rates to their highest levels since 2009. The rate of inflation is expected to reach 13% later in the year.
Steve Garelick, GMB regional organiser, said: “Amazon is one of the most profitable companies on the planet. With household costs spiralling, the least they can do is offer decent pay.
“Amazon continues to reject working with trade unions to deliver better working conditions and fair pay. Their repeated use of short-term contracts is designed to undermine workers’ rights.
“The image the company likes to project, and the reality for their workers, could not be more different. They need to drastically improve pay and working conditions.”
Last week, the company reported slowing sales and a net loss for the second straight quarter as the company struggled to reach the heights achieved during its pandemic boom.
An Amazon spokesman said: “Starting pay for Amazon employees will be increasing to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.
“This is for all full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary roles in the UK.
“In addition to this competitive pay, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals and an employee discount among others, which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan.”
