Unions will stage a fresh wave of strikes at Amazon in August, to push a pay claim and recognition from management, escalating action that could one day leave many entrepreneurs waiting for vital parcels.
The GMB held three days of strike action by 900 of its union members at Amazon’s Coventry distribution centre in Warwickshire from July 12 to coincide with the world’s largest online retailer’s Prime Day.
More Amazon strikes in August
Now the GMB plans to call out its workers both at Coventry and the warehouse in Rugeley, Staffordshire, as part of a plan to spread the strike across the country at more sites. Rugeley employs 1200 workers; Coventry employs 2700.
Rugeley union members, who voted to join the action in a ballot last week, will strike on August 3 and 4; Coventry will follow on August 4 and 5.
Talking to members across the UK who want to take action
“We know that there is a cost to the business in trying to move work away from the striking sites and believe that the widening action will increase that impact.
We’re talking to members across the UK who have asked about taking action at their sites and we’ll continue to support them in taking this forward. We aren’t announcing where these sites are yet,” says Stuart Richards, a senior regional organiser for the GMB, in response to questions from Matt Haycox Daily.
“Amazon is continuing to refuse to engage with workers or their union on the issues of pay and unionisation.”
Only 45 striking workers at Rugeley out of 75,000 nationwide
The union is pressing for £ 15 an hour and full union recognition.
In its response to our email, Amazon pointed out that 43 workers at Rugeley had voted in favour of industrial action out of a UK workforce of 75,000.
“We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits. In less than a year, our minimum pay has risen by 10% and by more than 37% since 2018. We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities. These are just some of the reasons people want to come and work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career,” said the company.
How long before parcels are late?
In the meantime, Amazon – the company that Jeff Bezos built – will have to move parcels to other depots, at a cost, to avoid disruption of deliveries by the strike.
Surely, if the strike spreads, it can only be a matter of time before parcels drop onto your doormat – late.
