Home » Amazon News • UK Employment news » Amazon faces escalation of warehouse strikes in Birmingham

Amazon faces escalation of warehouse strikes in Birmingham

By Nithya Bose in Amazon News, posted December 21, 2023

Amazon workers are extending warehouse strikes in a new flagship fulfilment centre in Birmingham in the new year.

It follows earlier walkouts in Coventry and Rugeley this year.

A GMB union spokesperson said the strike dates will be announced in January for the EMA4 site in Sutton Coldfield, which opened in October 2023.

However, the union is “not ready to announce the dates yet”.

Despite the centre's recent inauguration, some workers have already voted in favour of striking.

A source said that out of over 2,000 employees at the Sutton Coldfield site, only 34 are union members, with 19 voting for strike action.

There is also a possibility of renewed strikes at the Coventry depot, where workers participated in walkouts throughout the year.

“Our members feel betrayed by a company that is letting low pay and unsafe working conditions become the new normal"

The GMB spokesperson mentioned re-balloting workers at Coventry will be ongoing through January.

GMB organiser Amanda Gearing said: “Company bosses are hoping they can bury their heads in the sand − but the truth is industrial relations at Amazon UK are in chaos.

“Amazon Minworth [in Sutton Coldfield] opened its doors just weeks ago and workers have already voted to join strike action.

“Our members feel betrayed by a company that is letting low pay and unsafe working conditions become the new normal.

Enjoy the full version of one of the best betting platforms with betwinner version complète.

“After the Black Friday strikes, we’re seeing industrial action snowballing and Amazon is surely set to face a winter of strike chaos.”

Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.

“By April 2024, 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.

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

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

Follow us on YouTube, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.