Amazon workers to strike over pay on Black Friday

Workers at online giant Amazon are to stage a series of fresh strikes over pay, including on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Members of the GMB union based at the company’s Coventry site will walk out on November 7, 8 and 9 as well as on November 24, known as Black Friday.

The union said it will be the biggest day of strike action in Amazon’s history, involving more than 1,000 workers.

The move comes a day after Amazon announced a pay rise for its staff.

Rachel Fagan, GMB organiser, said: “These strike dates will bring total days lost to industrial action to nearly 30.

“This is an unprecedented and historic moment with low-paid workers taking on one of the world’s most powerful corporations.

“This is our members’ response to the failure of Amazon bosses to listen.

“Coventry is the beating heart of Amazon’s distribution network. Strike action here on Black Friday will ripple throughout the company’s UK logistics.

“As Black Friday looms, Amazon must urgently reconsider their priorities or risk strike action causing widespread disruption to customers and the public.”

Amazon yesterday announced a pay rise for its staff of at least £1 an hour.

The minimum starting pay for frontline employees will rise to between £11.80 and £12.50 an hour depending on location.

The increase, for all full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal roles, will be effective from October 15.

Minimum starting pay will increase further next April to between £12.30 and £13 an hour, depending on location.

John Boumphrey, Amazon UK’s country manager, said: “We have some of the most talented colleagues around and we’re proud to offer them competitive wages and benefits, as well as fantastic opportunities for career development, all in a safe and modern work environment.

“These are just some of the reasons people want to work at Amazon, whether it’s their first job, a seasonal role or an opportunity for them to advance their career.”