Online retail history in the making: First ever Amazon strike in UK set for 25th January

Amazon UK workers in a Coventry warehouse have agreed upon an initial strike date. 

The first ever Amazon strike in the UK is set to take place on 25th January, with further dates to be announced in the coming weeks. 

According to the GMB union, hundreds of workers at the fulfilment centre have voted to walk out over the US e-commerce giant’s 50 pence per hour pay offer. 

A ballot, which closed on 16th December, saw a majority of more than 98% of workers vote to strike. 

Amanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, says:  “Amazon workers in Coventry are set to make history on 25th January, becoming the first ever Amazon workers in the UK to go on strike.”

“They've shown they’re willing to put themselves on the line to fighting for what’s right.” 

“But people working for one of the most valuable companies in the world shouldn’t have to threaten strike action just to win a wage they can live on.”

“GMB urges Amazon UK bosses to give workers a proper pay rise and avoid industrial action altogether.” 

Amazon responds

Amazon counters by pointing out that we’re taking about a small number of staff at the Coventry warehouse: 178 out of around 2,100 employees.

A spokesperson told RTIH: “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% 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.”

The spokesperson added that normal operations will continue at the site and across Amazon’s UK wide network.

They insisted that there will be zero impact to customers (the site is not a fulfilment centre that directly services customer orders – rather, it provides stock to UK fulfilment centres).