ONLINE deliveries could be delayed on one of the biggest shopping days of the year as 1,000 Amazon packaging workers vote to strike.
Workers at DH Smith, who also make packaging for big brands, such as Amazon and McVities, are to take strike action later this month.
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In total 93% of the GMB Members at the company voted in favour of industrial action ahead of Black Friday on November 26.
Major shops like Amazon, Currys and Argos take part in Black Friday, offering major sale discounts to shoppers in store and online.
Workers in five sites – Louth, Lincolnshire, Featherstone, in Yorkshire, Clay Cross, in Derbyshire, Devizes, in Wiltshire and Livingston, in Scotland could take part in the strike
They will take to picket lines over what the GMB union say a “real terms pay cut for for members”.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Secretary, said: “A strike at DS Smith could have serious implications across a range of household names – not least Amazon which gets packaging from the company.
“DS Smith can afford to do better – they need to table a serious offer that respects the contribution of our members, to nip this industrial action in the bud.”
A spokesman for DS Smith said it was “disappointed” with the vote, particularly as it comes in the build up to Christmas.
He added: “Negotiations are ongoing with unions and we aim to find a solution that works for everybody.
“We take our customers’ needs extremely seriously and we have robust contingency plans in place to deliver the best possible service.”
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The Royal Mail has announced strikes on November 24, 25 and 30, and December 1.
The dispute is over pay and conditions and follows previous action in August, September and October.
How will my online orders be affected by strikes?
The GMB union has said a strike at DS Smith could have serious implications for online shoppers.
This is because the product packaging company supplies big names, such as Amazon.
But DS Smith says it will has contingency plans in place to still delivery services to customers.
If your parcel doesn’t show up, it’s important to understand your contract is with the retailer, not the delivery company.
So, if the courier loses the goods you ordered, the retailer is still responsible for putting things right.
If your item has failed to show up on time, the first thing you need to do is raise it with the retailer.
It will be their responsibility to track down your package.
If your item never showed the retailer should issue a refund for your shopping.
Legally, retailers only need to refund the cost of the cheapest delivery option – so if you paid for a premium “next day” or “named day” service, you may not get all your money back.
If your delivery has taken more than 30 calendar days then you can legally cancel the contract and get a refund – regardless of whether you bought the product online or in store.
If you’ve waited less than that, it will mostly depend on when you placed the order.
Most shops will have cancellation policies in their terms and conditions, but you can also give the retailer a call to find out.
