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This could become summer of strike chaos at Amazon, GMB
Union warns
GMB strikes at Amazon are set to escalate as members in Coventry
announced six further days of walk outs as the union today [31
March] begins ballots at five new sites.
More than 560 workers at the Coventry warehouse will down tools
on 16 – 18 and 21 – 23 of April, which will bring the total
strike days at the site to 14.
Meanwhile, hundreds of GMB members will begin fresh ballots for
industrial action at five further fulfilment centres across the
Midlands:
- Mansfield in Nottinghamshire
- Coalville in Leicestershire
- Kegworth in Leicestershire
- Rugeley in Staffordshire
- Rugby in Warwickshire
The ballots - which open today [31 March] and run for
several weeks - will ask GMB members if they are willing to
strike over a 50p pay rise enforced by Amazon management [2].
Amazon Coventry has been the focal point of three months of
industrial action by GMB after they made history by staging the
first ever UK Amazon strike [1].
Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Industrial action is growing and this could fast become a summer
of strike chaos Amazon.
“Three months ago Amazon told our members there was no money left
for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike
action we’ve forced Amazon to sit up and take notice.
“Six further days of strike action in Coventry is a clear
statement from our members they are worth more; they will not
accept a pay rise of pennies from one of the world’s wealthiest
corporations.
“With workers at five further sites starting ballots for
industrial action this month, it’s clear Amazon need to urgently
get serious and talk pay with GMB now.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/amazon-workers-coventry-first-uk-strike
[2] https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/amazon-pay-offer-%E2%80%98insult%E2%80%99-say-workers
Picket lines at Amazon Coventry BHX4 will take place on Sunday
16th, Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th, Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and
Sunday 23rd April between 6AM -8AM and 6PM- 8PM outside Amazon
Coventry Lyons Park, Sayer Dr, Coventry CV5 9PF.
