A ‘SUMMER of strike chaos’ could be on the way at Amazon’s Rugby fulfilment centre.
The GMB union has begun a fresh industrial action ballot for staff at five Amazon fulfilment centres – including the one at the Rugby Gateway logistics park – over the retailer’s 50p pay rise offer for workers.
The new ballot is set to run for several weeks.
It comes as the union’s Amazon Coventry members announce six new industrial action days.
The union announced the Coventry workers will walk out between April 16 and 18, followed by three more strike days from April 21.
This latest round of industrial action will bring the total number of strike days at the site to 14.
The union’s Amazon Coventry staff became the first in the UK to take strike action against the firm earlier this year.
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.”
An Amazon spokesperson said the firm regularly reviewed its pay to ensure it offered competitive wages.
They added: “We recently announced another increase for our UK teams and over the past seven months, our minimum pay has risen by 10 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.”
The spokesperson added the minimum starting pay for Amazon employees will be between £11 and £12 per hour, depending on the location.
The current national living wage in the UK is £10.42 per hour, while the real living wage outside London is £10.90 an hour.
