SHOPPERS have been warned as Amazon Black Friday orders “may be delayed until Christmas” as workers strike.
Members of the GMB union are involved in a pay dispute with Amazon and are on the picket line outside the firm’s site in Coventry.
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As part of “the biggest day of action in Amazon’s history“, strikes have swept other European countries and the US.
The GMB said more than 1,000 workers from the Coventry warehouse are striking – making it the 28th day of action in the long-running dispute.
Employees are demanding better wages and for the world’s largest retailer to recognise unions.
GMB official Amanda Gearing, said: “Today will go down as a turning point in Amazon’s history.
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“Working people who make Amazon’s business model possible stand up to demand their share of the company’s enormous wealth.
“Despite that, Amazon bosses are desperate to claim it will be business as usual for Amazon and their customers this Black Friday.
“The truth is that today will see the largest day of industrial disruption in Amazon’s history.
“With industrial action escalating and workers joining strike action in Europe and the USA, it’s clear this strike is inspiring Amazon workers worldwide to fight to force the company to change its ways.”
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Other protesters are also set to gather outside Amazon’s UK head office in London.
Despite the big walkout, Amazon said industrial action set to go ahead this Black Friday will not affect customers.
A spokesperson said: “There will be no disruption to customers.
“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.”
Amazon claimed its pay rates are above the National Living Wage and the voluntary Real Living Wage.
While benefits included private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount.
It comes as millions of commuters, footie fans and concert-goers are set to have their plans crushed by train strikes in the run up to Christmas.
The industrial action will be staggered among different train operators throughout the week – rather than an all-out national strike.
The walkouts will wreak havoc during the first week of December.
