By Najat Kantouar


GMB Union said Amazon workers at two U.K. sites plan to strike this month over pay and after filing for union recognition with the U.K. government.

Workers will strike at Amazon's Coventry fulfillment center on March 19 and 20 and at its new flagship headquarters in Birmingham on March 27 and 28, the union said.

The action follows an application by GMB members for mandatory recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee, a government body responsible for regulating collective bargaining between workers and employers. The committee has the power to force companies to recognize a trade union if more than 50% of the work force are members.

"When Amazon are ready to listen, the message they'll hear is simple; 15 pounds ($19.22) an hour and union rights for U.K. Amazon workers," GMB Organiser Rachel Fagan said.

GMB hasn't disclosed how many Amazon members it has or how many voted to strike.

An Amazon spokesperson said it regularly reviews its pay to ensure it offers competitive wages and benefits. "By April, our minimum starting pay will have increased to GBP12.30 and GBP13 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," the spokesperson added.

Around 800,000 square feet in size, Amazon fulfillment centers can employ more than 1,500 full-time workers according to its website. In these buildings, employees pick, pack, and ship customer orders such as books, toys, and housewares.


Write to Najat Kantouar at najat.kantouar@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-12-24 0831ET