Amazon workers hit back


Amazon workers have organised walkouts, sit-ins, and go-slows in protest at a “pathetic pay offer” of a 35p per hour increase, according to the GMB general union. 


The action took place at warehouses across the country, including Bristol, Tilbury in Essex, Belvedere in south east London, Dartford in Kent and Coventry and Rugeley in the West Midlands. 


Last month, the GMB submitted a formal pay claim to the company calling for a real-terms rise and pay talks facilitated by the Acas arbitration body. 


The move is also a step towards having a formal industrial relationship between the online retail giant and the union. The GMB has also submitted regional pay claims in areas including London. 


GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: “Amazon workers are saying clearly — enough is enough. They need a decent pay rise from one of the most profitable companies on earth.” 


The workers are seeking a £2 per hour pay rise to “better match the demands of the role and cope with the cost-of-living crisis”. 


The Unite general union is calling on Amazon to sign a declaration of neutrality to guarantee workers the freedom to talk with, and form, a union without fear. 


It’s Action on Amazon campaign has gathered hundreds of workers’ stories via a confidential hotline, exposed the company’s profiteering during Covid, and supported worker actions at warehouses and distribution centres around the UK and Ireland.