Amazon workers in Coventry balloted on whether to hold retail giant's first UK strike

Amazon workers in Coventry are being balloted on whether to strike after an “insulting” pay offer. 

The GMB union said staff at a warehouse in Coventry could be the first Amazon workers to strike in the UK, “making history”. 

Amanda Gearing from the union said: "They are being offered a 35p-an-hour pay rise during the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation—and that’s from a company worth more than £1tn. Understandably, they are furious." 

Employees previously staged informal protests across the country in August over pay rises. 

Amazon has previously said it has increased its hourly rate to £11.45, depending on location, and that staff have "comprehensive benefits" including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidised meals and an employee discount “which combined are worth thousands annually, as well as a company pension plan”.  

However GMB said the retail giant "can afford to do better". 

"It’s not too late to avoid strike action and to get around the table with GMB to improve the pay and conditions of workers," Gearing said. 

Voting began on 15th September. The ballot closes on 19th October, with any industrial action likely to take place in November.