The warehouse workers of Amazon in 40 countries including the UK are to strike. The moment is scheduled to correspond with the sales. Keep in mind that the summer holiday season brings the biggest shopping days of the year for the retailer. Amazon employees in various countries including the US are demanding better wages and conditions in a “Make Amazon Pay” campaign.
Several hundred members of the GMB union in the UK are conducting protests or strikes at most warehouses. Moreover, it also includes a protest outside its fulfillment center in Coventry. A senior organizer at the GMB, Amanda Gearing, issued a statement. She said workers and their supporters are now gathering to show their concerns over lower wages and poor conditions.
Gearing said Amazon must talk to GMB to enhance workers’ pay and conditions. She pointed out that Amazon workers are dedicated and working hard but they are low-paid. The warehouse and logistics operation of Profits at Amazon Services UK group has engaged Amazon’s UK workforce of around 75,000. However, the revenue grew at least £6bn in just one quarter in 2021.
Worker’s Wage Increase Demand from £10.50 to £15
Meanwhile, Amazon workers are dominating a wage increase from £10.50 to £15 an hour. Experts believe the crisis of living costs severely disturbed household budgets. The protesters participating in the action in the UK will supposedly not get the company’s announced bonus. Amazon was reportedly to release the 2nd part of a £500 bonus for tens of thousands of top workers.
Amazon UK said in October that the benefit of the 2nd part of the payment is dedicated to more intelligent workers. The 2nd part award was for those who avoided absence between 22nd November and Christmas evening. However, GMB declared that the payment connected to staff attendance was analyzed as an illegal strike-erupting move. The Extinction Rebellion has arranged a demonstration outside Amazon’s offices from 1 pm in Dublin.
Amazon is Working on Various Important Matters
Amazon’s spokesperson said these groups are illustrating various types of interests and the retailer doesn’t fit in any area. The company is objectively working on many essential matters. People will see that the company will perform its role and take effect more sincerely. However, the retail giant is significantly investing and inventing in these entire areas.
The retailer giant is playing a critical role to address climate change with the commitment promise for net zero carbon. The company is constantly offering motivated wages and benefits. Amazon also presents new ways to keep its employees healthy and safe in network operations. It is noteworthy that security guards and CCTV operators in London are also going on strike on Black Friday.
The Protests are Scheduled for Boxing Day and Christmas Eve
They are scheduling a demonstration outside the luxury Knightsbridge store during the first 12 days of action over the festive period. Meanwhile, at least 50 staff members of Amazon UK are participating in the demonstrations. These demonstrations are scheduled every weekend in December including Boxing Day and Christmas Eve. The Qatar Investment Authority-owned Harrods issued a report last month.
Moreover, Harrods reported that it had at least doubled the pay of its managing director to £2.3m. The union announced the collection of around £6m in government support for the Covid-19 layoff scheme. The general secretary of the union, Sharon Graham, issued a statement. He said Harrods and its owners can obviously manage to pay more to these workers amid increasing living costs.
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