Skip to main content
Advertise Buy the paper Contact us Shop Subscribe Support us
The Amazon strike – history in the making
PHIL STREET talks to some of the Coventry strikers marking one year of struggle for decent pay against one of the world’s most notorious employers

“EXCITING times!” — the opening words of a conversation I recently had with Darren Westwood, who has become one of the faces and voices of the historic dispute at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Coventry. 

“We’ve shied away from unions for too long. People have been apathetic and feeling a sense of hopelessness.”

This Brummie and son of a squaddie tells me he’s had quite a chequered career, but the strike at Amazon has been a defining moment.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Features / 22 July 2024
22 July 2024
Despite falling short of union recognition, workers’ courage and community solidarity have set a powerful precedent for organising in hostile environments, argues PHIL STREET
Features / 14 March 2023
14 March 2023
Workers have started a week-long strike at the notoriously anti-union multibillion-dollar company’s Coventry warehouse. PHIL STREET reports
Features / 29 May 2022
29 May 2022
PHIL STREET takes a look at the Coventry and Rugby disputes, where expectations to work longer and longer hours pushed bin workers to breaking point – and explains why they deserve our full support
Similar stories
Features / 7 December 2024
7 December 2024
Morning Star editor Ben Chacko reports on an event detailing GMB's campaign to unionise the Coventry warehouse addressed by regional organiser FERDOUSARA UDDIN and Amazon worker LOUVEZA IQBAL
Features / 22 July 2024
22 July 2024
Despite falling short of union recognition, workers’ courage and community solidarity have set a powerful precedent for organising in hostile environments, argues PHIL STREET
Britain / 17 July 2024
17 July 2024
GMB pledges legal challenge over retail giant’s union-busting tactics