Striking Coventry Amazon workers reject latest pay offer

Amazon say the increase is a five per cent rise with a 10 per cent rise over the last seven months.

With inflation rising and and RPI hitting over 12 per cent earlier this year, GMB members have called on the company to sit down urgently and talk pay with their union. Darren Westwood, Amazon worker and GMB member in Coventry, said: "Is this really what Amazon thinks we're worth?

"This is another pay rise of pennies, from one of the world's wealthiest companies. Three months ago Amazon told us there was no money left for pay rises, yet through pressure, campaigning and strike action we've forced one of the world's wealthiest companies to sit up and take notice."

An Amazon spokesperson said their minimum pay had risen by more than 37 per cent since 2018 and that the company works hard to provide 'great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities'.

READ MORE: Coventry's striking Amazon workers praised for 'making history'

Mr Westwood added: "Amazon workers won't back down until we've won the pay recognition we deserve. Now is the time for Amazon to sit down with our union and talk pay." Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said: "News today that company top brass have dug deep to find an extra 20 to 50 pence for staff will come as little reassurance to Amazon workers worldwide struggling to make ends meat and pay the bills.

"GMB members at Amazon Coventry are clear on their demands; £15 an hour and Amazon to sit down and talk pay with their workers union. That is why they have been on strike and that is why GMB members will continue to fight for fair pay."

In January, workers at the site became the first Amazon workers in the UK to take industrial action. The GMB Union is calling for a pay rise from £10.50 to £15 an hour.

Amazon says the striking workers make up just a tiny minority of staff. They said in a previous statement: "A tiny proportion of our workforce is involved. In fact, according to the verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK employees voted in the ballot - and that includes those who voted against industrial action.

"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. Employees are also offered comprehensive benefits that are worth thousands more—including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount, to name a few."

In a new statement, a spokesman for Amazon 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 pay has risen by 10% and by more than 37% 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 spokesman added that Amazon pay is well above the National Living Wage and that hourly employee wages have always been regularly reviewed and increased. They also pointed to benefits offered to employees including private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals, employee discount and career development opportunities including help with tuition fees.

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