Amazon staff within the UK are to go on strike in the present day to coincide with Black Friday – one of many firm’s busiest purchasing days of the yr.
More than 1,000 employees on the agency’s warehouse in Coventry are anticipated to participate within the walkout, the GMB union mentioned, amid a long-running dispute over pay and circumstances.
The on-line retail large has insisted prospects is not going to be affected by the economic motion.
A protest may even be held exterior Amazon UK’s head workplace in London, whereas coordinated strikes and demonstrations will probably be held in different European nations and the US as properly.
Unions say it will likely be the most important day of commercial motion in Amazon’s historical past.
The firm lately introduced it could be growing the minimal beginning pay to as much as £13 an hour for workers, relying on location, from subsequent April.
But the GMB has referred to as for a price of at the least £15 an hour, and higher circumstances, as employees wrestle with the value of dwelling disaster.
GMB official Amanda Gearing, mentioned: “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 determined to assert it will likely be enterprise as typical for Amazon and their prospects this Black Friday.”
Ms Gearing added: “The truth is that today will see the largest day of industrial disruption in Amazon’s history.
“With industrial motion escalating and staff becoming a member of strike motion in Europe and the USA, it is clear this strike is inspiring Amazon staff worldwide to battle to drive the corporate to vary its methods.”
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An Amazon spokesperson mentioned: “There will be no disruption to customers.
“We recurrently assessment our pay to make sure we provide aggressive wages and advantages.
“By April 2024, our minimum starting pay will have increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% since 2018.”
They added: “We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities.
“These are simply a number of the causes individuals wish to come and work at Amazon, whether or not it is their first job, a seasonal position or a chance for them to advance their profession.”
It marks the twenty eighth day of strike motion to hit Amazon within the UK for the reason that begin of the yr.
Source: information.sky.com”