As a dispute over wages and working conditions worsen, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) employees are getting ready to launch a wave of strikes at its British warehouses.
The GMB union, which has sought the authority to formally represent Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) personnel, predicts that a series of walkouts last week will be followed by additional action as dissatisfaction over the cost of living problem reaches a boiling point.
Last Wednesday, up to 1,500 employees protested against a proposed pay increase of 35p per hour in the cafeteria at the US behemoth’s site in Tilbury, Essex. Other strikes occurred at establishments in Dartford, Kent, and Bristol. Whether deliveries will be affected by this was not addressed by the company.
Amazon Employees Are Asking increase Pay
Workers are asking for a £2 per hour pay increase due to rising inflation, according to the GMB, which has members in Tilbury and other locations but is not involved in coordinating the action and is not recognized by Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).
According to a source at the union, there is a “decent chance” of further strikes; the source added that this is the most coordinated activity they have seen for a while.
A triumph at an Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) facility in Staten Island, New York, where employees were able to successfully join a union in the face of vehement business opposition, will be the target of campaigners’ efforts. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) conducts active anti-union methods in the US, including organizing sessions where employees are urged to oppose unionization. The company uses hand-held scanners to record employees’ actions as they complete ten-hour shifts.
Depending on the region, beginning pay for Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) employees will rise to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, according to a company representative. This is much more than the current minimum wage of £9.50 per hour.
They added that, in addition to this competitive pay, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidized meals, and an employee discount, among others, which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan.
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