Amazon is set to increase pay for tens of thousands of its UK employees by 9.8%, raising the minimum hourly wage to between £13.50 and £14.50 depending on the location. This pay rise, effective from September 29, follows a period of industrial action by workers seeking better wages and conditions. Employees with over three years of service will see their wages increase to a minimum of £13.75 to £14.75 per hour. Amazon claims to have invested £550 million in employee pay since 2022, and the company continues to provide industry-leading benefits.
The pay raise announcement comes shortly after the GMB union narrowly lost a vote at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, which would have granted it formal recognition for bargaining over pay and conditions. GMB has criticized Amazon's treatment of its workers, accusing the company of poor working conditions, low pay, and excessive surveillance.
Amazon, which maintains a global policy of declining cooperation with unions, argued that it prefers direct relationships with its employees. Despite the union’s efforts, the company remains firm on its stance. However, the Labour government has pledged to make it easier for unions to gain recognition, which could affect Amazon's operations in the future.
