Act Daily News
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Amazon warehouse staff at a facility within the United Kingdom plan to go on strike, their union confirmed to Act Daily News on Friday, in a transfer that’s being billed as a primary for the corporate’s staff within the nation.
The GMB union, which represents staff in a variety of industries within the UK, stated that tons of of Amazon staff at a warehouse in Coventry overwhelmingly voted for the strike, which is predicted to happen within the new yr.
The labor motion stems from staff’ dissatisfaction over Amazon’s proposed pay raises, in response to the union. It additionally comes as hovering inflation within the UK has pressured households to grapple with skyrocketing meals and vitality prices.
“Amazon workers in Coventry have made history – they will be the first ever in the UK to take part in a formal strike,” Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organizer, stated in an announcement to Act Daily News on Friday. “The fact that they are being forced to go on strike to win a decent rate of pay from one of the world’s most valuable companies should be a badge of shame for Amazon.”
“Amazon can afford to do better,” Gearing added, noting that it’s “not too late to avoid strike action,” and urged Amazon to return to the bargaining desk to “improve the pay and conditions of workers.”
In an announcement to Act Daily News on Friday, a UK Amazon spokesperson touted the corporate’s pay and advantages. “We appreciate the great work our teams do throughout the year and we’re proud to offer competitive pay which starts at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.”
“This represents a 29 per cent increase in the minimum hourly wage paid to Amazon employees since 2018,” the assertion added. “On top of this, we’re pleased to have announced that full-time, part-time and seasonal frontline employees will receive an additional one-time special payment of up to £500 as an extra thank you.”
The transfer from Amazon staff within the UK additionally comes as Amazon staff within the United States proceed to prepare and push for collective bargaining rights.
Amazon staff at a warehouse in Staten Island, New York, made historical past earlier this yr after they voted to kind the first-ever labor union at one of many firm’s US services. Despite the landmark victory for the employee group, referred to as the Amazon Labor Union, the corporate has but to formally acknowledge the union or come to the bargaining desk.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy steered in remarks final month that the corporate’s authorized battle with the union is “far from over,” regardless of the National Labor Relations Board indicating the union is on the cusp of being licensed.
Other latest makes an attempt to unionize at Amazon warehouses within the United States have come up quick.