Walkouts at Amazon warehouses continue as pay dispute rumbles on

Walkouts at Amazon warehouses are continuing as disputes over a 35p an hour pay rise rumble on. 

Last week the GMB Union said around 700 of the 3,500 employees at the Tilbury depot had stopped working in protest at the proposed pay rise — which is equivalent to around 3%. They were seeking a £2 per hour pay rise to better match the demands of their job and cope with the cost of living crisis, the union said.

There have since been a series of walkouts and slowdown protests at facilities in Essex, Coventry, Bristol, Swindon, Chesterfield, Warrington and Rugeley, Bloomberg reported. At a fulfilment centre in Swindon about 150 to 200 workers left their stations to sit in the canteen for several hours on 8th August. Further protests are expected in the coming days.  

The GMB union has submitted formal pay claims to Amazon seeking a minimum of £15 an hour for workers at its UK warehouses as unofficial protests continue to dog the online retailer. 

Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said: “Amazon workers deserve a decent pay rise. They are the backbone of the company – one of the most profitable on Earth. 

“When the high street was shut down through Covid, Amazon continued to make money. The least it can do is share those profits with their workers.” 

An Amazon spokesman reiterated: “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.”