Next week, an estimated 900 Amazon workers from a Coventry warehouse are planning a three-day walkout as part of an ongoing dispute regarding wage rates and workplace conditions. The walkout is scheduled to take place from July 11th to July 13th, coinciding with Amazon’s yearly ‘Prime Day’ sales event.
Prime Day, Amazon’s annual customer appreciation event, presents a range of special discounts and deals exclusively available to Prime members. Amazon’s Prime Day sales are projected to generate approximately $7 billion in revenue this year, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, according to JPMorgan’s predictions.
These protesting workers are members of the GMB union, which has long advocated for superior pay and union rights for Amazon employees. In response to the escalating cost of living crisis, the union insists that workers should receive a minimum wage of £15 per hour. Currently, Amazon’s starting wage fluctuates between £11 and £12 per hour, varying by location.
Rachel Fagan, GMB’s senior organiser, stated, “Our GMB members in Coventry have repeatedly demonstrated that this struggle will only conclude with a £15 per hour wage and official union rights. Amazon workers are exhausting themselves, laboring in hazardous conditions for inadequate compensation, while the company reaps billions in profit.”
Earlier this year, the Coventry warehouse became the first Amazon facility in the UK to experience walkouts. Subsequent to the initial strike in January, the workers have organised several additional walkouts, including one from June 12th to June 14th.
While this warehouse is not directly involved in fulfilling customer orders, Amazon assured that the walkouts would not result in any service disruptions for customers. The company also maintains that it offers competitive wages and benefits for its employees.
“Amazon takes pride in providing some of the best jobs in the industry, evidenced by our industry-leading £11-£12 starting wage (dependent on location), our inclusive benefits package, and our safe and welcoming work environment,” an Amazon spokesperson commented. “We invite everyone to compare our comprehensive wage and benefits package, along with our workplace environment, to that of other retailers and major employers across the country.”
The planned strike follows increasing scrutiny and critique of Amazon’s labor practices, both within the UK and globally. Allegations against the company include poor working conditions, overbearing surveillance, anti-union practices, and tax evasion.
Earlier this year in April, Amazon employees located in Bessemer, Alabama, voted against the formation of a union, despite a highly publicised campaign supported by politicians, celebrities, and activists. The union spearheading the campaign has challenged the voting results, accusing Amazon of election interference.
In a recent report published in May by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, it was revealed that over 600 ambulance call-outs had been made to Amazon’s UK warehouses over the past three years, causing concerns over worker safety and health.
In June, a consortium of investors put forward a resolution demanding Amazon conduct an independent assessment of its human rights impact on workers, customers, and communities.
Reaffirming GMB’s commitment to the cause, Rachel Fagan said, “We won’t cease our efforts until Amazon pays their staff what they rightfully deserve and treats them with the respect they are due.”
