Amazon workers in the UK have been given a pay hike of nearly 10%. This marks a significant shift for employees in fulfillment centers.
The Guardian reports that this increase follows the company’s victory over the GMB union’s push for bargaining rights.
Amazon UK workers’ new benefits
Towards the end of this month (September 29), Amazon’s frontline workers in the UK will receive a minimum hourly wage rise of between $17,74 and $19,05, depending on the location.
Workers with over three years of experience will receive even higher pay, ranging from $18,08 to $19,39 per hour.
This shows Amazon’s focus on finding a balance between work satisfaction and business strategy. This comes even after a series of strikes at its Coventry warehouse and mounting criticism from unions.
Amazon workers are heading into peak season
The pay rise is a positive development, but it comes after months of striking and a loss to the company’s production.
Workers at Amazon’s Coventry site have been particularly vocal, striking multiple times in the past year and a half, according to reports.
Amazon is maintaining its stance, not recognizing a union and preferring to deal directly with its staff. This is the company’s global policy, but it has drawn criticism globally.
The bigger picture for Amazon’s labor force
Amazon’s wage increase has drawn mixed reactions from the global community. While it is a step forward, union representatives are not happy. They argue it’s a response to ongoing industrial pressure rather than a proactive change.
Many employees continue to voice concerns about working conditions, excessive surveillance, and what they see as inadequate wages.
Earlier this year, Locate2u reported on Amazon being fined for excessive surveillance. In January, Amazon France Logistique, which manages warehouses with worker-handheld scanners, was fined $34.7 million for ‘excessive’ surveillance of its employees.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
