Amazon warehouse workers to walk out on Black Friday

The strike will take place at Amazon’s Coventry depot over four days next month as members fight for better pay and working conditions.

Workers will walk out on November 7, 8 and 9, as well as on Black Friday on November 24, which is one of Amazon’s busiest days of the year.

Workers previously walked out over Amazon Prime Day in July and most recently downed tools in August at the Rugeley and Coventry depots.

GMB organiser Rachel Fagan 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.

“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.”

The news of fresh strikes follows Amazon’s announcement that it is increasing minimum starting pay for UK frontline operations employees to between £11.80 and £12.50 per hour and is recruiting more than 15,000 seasonal roles.

It also said that from April 2024 “minimum starting pay will increase further to between £12.30 and £13 per hour, depending on location”.

Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey 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.”

The GMB criticised the pay rise and said “Amazon can and must do better”.