Amazon workers in the United Kingdom and Spain have had enough \u2013 enough of too-low wages and enough of disrespectful treatment. That is why workers in Coventry and Seville are striking this week.<\/p>\r\n
In the UK, members of UNI affiliate GMB union entered their eleventh day of strike action at Coventry site on 18 April, in the ongoing dispute with the retail giant.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Workers there are campaigning for \u00a315 an hour, up from the current \u00a311 an hour, after Amazon made an offer of less than 50p to workers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
GMB have announced that over 600 Amazon workers in Coventry have joined the union as strike ballots take place at five further Amazon depots.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\r\nAmanda Gearing, GMB Senior Organiser, said:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cToday is an historic day in an historic campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cAmazon said it would never happen, and that only a tiny number would join industrial action over their pay rise of pennies.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cToday GMB union reaches 600 members at the Coventry site, with more joining every day.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
\u201cMorale on the picket line is sky high and these workers aren\u2019t giving up until they get the pay justice they deserve.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n
Workers are planning another round of strikes at the Coventry facility on 21 to 23 April.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
In Spain, UNI affiliates CC.OO and UGT launched a strike at 11pm on Sunday, 16 April.\u00a0 The unions\u00a0said<\/a>\u00a0that workers in Seville are walking out because of “excessive hours, with an overload of work that leads to injuries that are not recognized by the company’s medical services — who never recognize when workers get hurt on the job.”<\/p>\r\n
Additionally, Amazon “has unilaterally decided to change the pay scale for work on Sundays and holidays, a lack of negotiation on the part of the company that is also reflected in the bonuses for professional categories or for dangerousness in the jobs.”<\/p>\r\n
\u201cThe company\u2019s refusal to pay a wage with dignity is insulting. Workers were in the fulfilment centres during worst of the pandemic, and every day they face physical and mental strain because of Amazon\u2019s relentless demands,\u201d said\u00a0Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union.\u00a0<\/b>\u201cWe stand with these workers striking for the pay and recognition they deserve.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
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