Adam Harmsworth, Coventry Socialist Party
The strike at Amazon’s Coventry site ‘BHX4’ started again on 17 April with renewed enthusiasm and even larger membership, getting ever closer to a majority, since the impressive picket line is probably the best method of recruiting.
The union isn’t just growing in Coventry. Five other sites are now preparing to ballot for industrial action, after Coventry strikers visited more Amazon workplaces to build unionisation efforts there.
If the rapid growth in union membership in Coventry is replicated at more sites, we could quickly see thousands of Amazon workers on strike.
Every Amazon workplace is plagued by the same poverty pay, horrendous conditions, and abusive management that drove BHX4 to strike.
There has been great solidarity from the trade union movement. Thousands of pounds have been donated to Coventry Amazon workers’ strike fund from union branches and individuals, and groups from local union branches, including other workers in dispute, have visited the picket line.
Union branches have also been inviting speakers to their meetings to discuss the dispute and how they can help.
In our latest strike bulletin, the Socialist Party sets out what we think is needed next to build the fight. We’re encouraging the new union members to get involved in the branch, attend meetings, discuss tactics on the picket line, take up a role, and help build the structures of the union.
It is important Amazon unions do everything they can to facilitate new activists coming forward. A fighting and democratic trade union will be essential to push Amazon back, and win better pay and conditions against a capitalist giant that has beaten down workers for too long.
