A significant labour protest has hit Amazon just ahead of the holiday season, as one of the United States’ most powerful unions stages a strike aimed at pressuring the tech giant during its busiest period.
The Teamsters union announced that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the U.S. walked off the job on Thursday after the company refused to engage in negotiations over a new labour contract. The union claims the strike is the “largest” involving Amazon in U.S. history, with demonstrations at “hundreds” of other Amazon locations across the country.
While Amazon maintains that its services will not be affected, the union stated that thousands of workers have participated in the action. The Teamsters, representing nearly 10,000 Amazon employees, have accused the company of illegally refusing to negotiate over workers’ pay and conditions. Amazon, however, claimed that the majority of those involved in the protest were outsiders, not actual employees or partners, calling the union’s claims “another lie.”
The protest is not limited to the U.S. On the same day, members of Germany’s United Services Union (ver.di) also joined the action. Despite Amazon’s assertions, the Teamsters claim the strike has gained momentum, with workers from approximately 10 locations nationwide involved, many of them recently signed up by the union.
Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien criticized Amazon for its treatment of workers, saying, “They’ve pushed workers to the limit, and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them.” He added, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.”
The Teamsters, with more than a million members, are known for securing strong contracts at major companies like UPS. The current dispute primarily concerns Amazon drivers who are technically employed by third-party delivery companies. Amazon disputes its responsibility as an employer in these cases, and legal proceedings are ongoing. In some instances, labour officials have sided with the union.
Meanwhile, Amazon workers at a large warehouse in Staten Island, New York, have also affiliated with the Teamsters. This warehouse is notable for being the first Amazon location in the U.S. where a union victory was officially recognized. However, there has been little progress in contract negotiations since the 2022 vote.
Amazon has long faced criticism for its working conditions and its aggressive opposition to unionization efforts. The company’s refusal to engage in contract talks has led to pressure from not only the Teamsters but also other companies, such as Starbucks, where workers have recently authorized a strike over stalled negotiations since their unionization in 2021.
As the holiday season approaches, Amazon faces growing pressure to address workers’ demands for better pay and working conditions, while union leaders continue to rally support for their cause.
