AMAZON workers have announced new strike dates at two so-called fulfilment centres, with the retail giant potentially on the brink of forced union recognition, the GMB union said today.

GMB members have submitted an application for mandatory recognition at Amazon to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

The body is responsible for regulating collective bargaining between workers and employers, and can force companies to recognise a trade union if more than 50 per cent of the workforce are members.

Workers will down pallets at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse on March 19 and 20, as well as at its new flagship Birmingham headquarters on March 27 and 28.

GMB organiser Rachel Fagan said: “Fresh strike action will be a huge blow to Amazon bosses just days after workers made their bid for union recognition.”

She said that “when Amazon are ready to listen,” workers will ask for £15 an hour and union rights.

An Amazon spokesman said its minimum hourly pay will rise to £13 by April, adding: “We regularly review our pay to ensure we offer competitive wages and benefits.”