Amazon workers walk out over pay

35P-AN-HOUR INCREASE CALLED SPIT IN THE FACE

HUNDREDS of Amazon staff have walked out over what they claim is a “tone deaf” and “disgusting” 35p an hour pay increase for warehouse workers.

The action took place on Thursday at the Coalville distribution centre.

A similar walkout was due to take place at the company’s centre in Hinckley yesterday.

Amazon’s tier one workers, including pickers and receivers, were told they would get the increase from September.

A worker at Coalville, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s disgusting and completely tone deaf. We are in a cost of living crisis and people are struggling to get by as it is working multiple jobs.

“Amazon is making record profits and here we are getting this for a pay rise. It’s a spit in the face and all sorts of wrong.”

Staff claimed managers in Coalville had only been made aware of the pay rise hours before they were told themselves.

Meetings were held with employees, a worker said, but failed to prevent the mass walkout on both day and night shifts.

An employee said: “Amazon has not consulted with staff on what would be a reasonable pay rise and Amazon does not negotiate when it comes to pay – nor does Amazon recognise any union.

“In response to protests from staff, managers said ‘It is what it is’ and expected staff to return to work. Instead, a spontaneous walkout was staged, forcing the general manager and HR leads to engage with staff.”

A colleague said: “We can’t keep walking out as so many of us need this job, but we need to be paid fairly for it.

“Management, the top tier, get the big money, and we are treated so poorly in comparison.

The current pay offer is unfair and is the straw that broke the camel’s back. “We work extremely hard and worked even harder during the recent Amazon Prime days and only got a T-shirt as our thanks.

“We need more than that, and believe £2 an hour more is a good starting point, but we’d like more.

“We believe that is fair and doable considering how big Amazon is.”

An Amazon spokesman said: “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.”

A spontaneous walkout was staged, forcing the general manager and HR leads to engage with staff

Employee