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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Alan Jones, Press Association & Tamlyn Jones

Amazon workers in Coventry to stage more strike action

Workers at online retail giant Amazon in Coventry are to stage more strike action in a dispute over pay.

The GMB trade union said more than 500 of its members at the company's site will walk out for three days from April 16 and again from April 21 to 23.

The six days of action follow a series of stoppages earlier this year in what was the first time Amazon workers in the UK had taken part in industrial action.

GMB also announced it would be balloting its members about strikes over pay at five other Amazon sites in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

GMB senior organiser Amanda Gearing said: "Industrial action is growing and this could fast become a summer of strike chaos at 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 needs to urgently get serious and talk about pay with GMB now."

Amazon said that, from next week, the minimum starting pay for its employees would increase to between £11 and £12 an hour depending on location.

A statement said: "We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and we're pleased to be announcing another increase for our UK teams.

"Over the past seven months, our minimum starting pay has risen by ten per cent and by more than 37 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."

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