UK Amazon workers to stage Black Friday walkout
Amazon workers in the United Kingdom will embark on strike on Black Friday – one of the busiest shopping days of the year – in a long-running dispute over pay.
Members of the GMB union at the online giant’s site in Coventry will walk out, mounting a picket line outside the centre.
Amazon said Friday’s industrial action will not affect customers.
Strikes and demonstrations are also being held in other European countries and the U.S., which unions say will be the biggest day of action in Amazon’s history.
The GMB said more than 1,000 workers at the Coventry site will strike, making it the 28th day of action in the dispute. A protest will also be held outside Amazon’s UK head office in London.
GMB official Amanda Gearing, said, “Today will go down as a turning point in Amazon’s history. Working people who make Amazon’s business model possible stand up to demand their share of the company’s enormous wealth.”
“Despite that, Amazon bosses are desperate to claim it will be business as usual for Amazon and their customers this Black Friday. The truth is that today will see the largest day of industrial disruption in Amazon’s history.
“With industrial action escalating and workers joining strike action in Europe and the USA, it’s clear this strike is inspiring Amazon workers worldwide to fight to force the company to change its ways.”
An Amazon spokesperson said, “There will be no disruption to customers. We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.
“By April 2024, our minimum starting pay will have increased to £12.30 ($15.41) and £13 per hour depending on location. That’s a 20 per cent increase over two years and 50 per cent 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.”
Amazon said its pay rates were well above the national living wage and the voluntary real living wage, while benefits included private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals, and an employee discount.
(PA Media/dpa/NAN)
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