Hundreds of strikers outside Amazon’s Coventry warehouse were joined on Black Friday by trade unionists from Europe and the US as part of a global campaign calling for better working conditions at the internet retailer.

Wearing orange beanie hats branded with the GMB union logo, activists from Germany, Italy and California, on strike at their respective Amazon workplaces, expressed solidarity with the Coventry strikers, who have taken 28 days of industrial action since January.

Gathered on a grassy roundabout close to the vast warehouse in the chilly early morning air, scores of the activists from the Make Amazon Pay campaign joined in chants of: “What do we want? £15! When do we want it? Now!”

Black Friday strike could mark the beginning of the end for Amazon’s war on unions
Read more
Jessie Moreno, who delivers Amazon parcels from Palmdale, in the California desert, said: “This isn’t just a US fight, this is a global fight, so we are happy to come here to support our brothers and sisters at the GMB.

“We have to spread the word and bring awareness,” he added. “The issues are the same, no matter where you are, no matter what country you’re in – it’s all the same.” Moreno described the challenges he faces at work of operating in high temperatures, to stringent targets.

“It’s the living conditions, it’s respect, and of course it’s money. We’re living in poverty conditions while the CEO, Jeff Bezos, gets richer and richer off our hard work, and we’re just struggling to put food on the table.”

Organisers at the GMB in Coventry, where workers first took strike action in January, say they have now signed up 1,200 members.

Union Recognition Bid and Withdrawal:

Amazon workers in Coventry made a formal bid for union recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) earlier this year.
They withdrew the application, accusing Amazon of hiring additional workers to undermine union efforts.
Make Amazon Pay Campaign:

The UNI global union is coordinating the Make Amazon Pay campaign, with solidarity actions in more than 30 countries.
Actions include strikes and protests on various issues, including environmental concerns, taxation, and claims of monopoly power.
US Federal Trade Commission Lawsuit:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States is engaged in a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of anti-competitive practices.
Amazon has denied these accusations.
Labor Actions in Coventry (GMB Focus):

The GMB union in Coventry has focused on achieving higher pay for Amazon workers.
Strikes and actions began last summer after workers were offered a 50p-an-hour pay rise.
The basic rate of pay has increased several times, reaching £12.30 an hour. Amazon denies any link between the pay increases and industrial action, stating that it regularly reviews pay.
Global Scope of Actions:

Over 150 actions against Amazon are taking place in more than 30 countries, highlighting the global impact of the labor-related concerns.