Amazon workers walk out on two-day strike

More than 200 workers are taking part in two days of strike action at the Amazon site in Birmingham.

Members of GMB union are striking at the online retailer’s fulfilment centre in Sutton Coldfield on Wednesday and Thursday.

It will be the latest industrial action as part of a long-running dispute, with GMB calling for a £15-per-hour minimum pay rate and union rights.

Amazon said it would have increased its pay by 20% over two years by April.

The walkouts at the Sutton Coldfield site, which opened in October, come after Amazon workers in Coventry went on strike on 19 and 20 March.

Rachel Fagan, GMB Organiser, described the action as a huge blow to the company.

“Amazon bosses may have hoped this campaign would fade away, but instead, union membership at Amazon has exploded as more and more workers are standing up to demand Amazon listens,” she said.

“When Amazon are ready to listen, the message they'll hear is simple: £15 an hour and union rights for UK Amazon workers”.

The announcement of the strike action came after GMB members at Amazon applied to the Central Arbitration Committee, external (CAC) – the body responsible for regulating collective bargaining – for mandatory recognition.

The CAC can insist companies recognise a trade union if a majority of the workforce wants it.

A spokesperson for Amazon said the company regularly reviews its pay to ensure it offers competitive wages.

“By April, our minimum starting pay will have increased to £12.30 and £13 per hour depending on location, that’s a 20% increase over two years and 50% since 2018,” they said.

“We also work hard to provide great benefits, a positive work environment and excellent career opportunities.”

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to: [email protected], external