Amazon employees stop working at Essex warehouse in protest over 35p pay rise

Amazon employees have stopped working at a warehouse in Essex in protest over a 35p per hour pay rise.

The GMB union said around 700 of the 3,500 employees at the Tilbury depot had taken part in the protest which started on the evening of 3rd August and continued into the following day. 

They are seeking a £2 per hour pay rise instead of the current 35p offer – a rise of around 3% – to better match the demands of their job and cope with the cost of living crisis, the union said.

Steve Garelick, GMB regional organiser, said: “Amazon is one of the most profitable companies on the planet. With household costs spiralling, the least they can do is offer decent pay. 

“Amazon continues to reject working with trade unions to deliver better working conditions and fair pay. Their repeated use of short-term contracts is designed to undermine workers’ rights. 

“The image the company likes to project, and the reality for their workers, could not be more different. They need to drastically improve pay and working conditions.” 

On Twitter, he said some workers had faced disciplinary action and a withdrawal of pay over the stoppage: “Amazon have removed pay from hundreds of workers at Tilbury Essex as well as scouring social media to see who is uploading videos. Instead of disciplinary procedures because of reputation, Amazon should sort their reputation with staff. Pay a decent increase not 35p.”

An Amazon spokesman said: “Starting pay for Amazon employees will be increasing to a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location.

“This is for all full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary roles in the UK.

“In addition to this competitive pay, employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals and an employee discount among others, which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan.”