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Amazon workers in Coventry take second day of strike action

Union members at an Amazon distribution center have begun a second day of industrial action.

In January, workers at the Coventry depot became the first in Britain to go on strike against the online retail giant over pay.

The GMB union is demanding a wage increase from £10.50 to £15 an hour, despite not recognizing the union from Amazon.

Amazon said it offers competitive pay, up 29% since 2018, along with other benefits.

Another day of action is scheduled for Thursday and for a week between March 13th and 17th.

About 1,500 people work at the Coventry site, where Amazon inventory is scanned and shipped to fulfillment centers for shipment to consumers.

The GMB said more than 350 staff at the center are expected to intervene in the dispute.

Union official Stuart Richards said about 200 workers were off the premises as of Tuesday morning.

Official pickets managed to persuade two trucks and “a whole bunch” of workers to turn away from the site, he said.

Striking employees were “incredibly optimistic” after the first industrial action, he added.

“The members are self-organizing so it was amazing to see them getting so enthusiastic and continuing the fight for pay.”

Amazon said only a “tiny fraction” of its workforce was involved in the dispute.

“In fact, according to verified figures, only a fraction of 1% of our UK staff took part in the vote – and that includes those who voted against industrial action,” it said in a statement.

“We appreciate the great work our teams put in throughout the year and are proud to offer competitive pay, starting at a minimum of between £10.50 and £11.45 per hour, depending on location .

“In addition, employees are offered comprehensive benefits worth thousands more, including private health insurance, life insurance, subsidized meals and an employee discount, to name a few.”

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