Warehouse workers in cities including New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco participated in the action, despite Amazon’s extensive operations that may mitigate the impact of the strike.
On December 20, workers at seven Amazon facilities across the United States initiated a strike during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
The strike, organized by the Teamsters union, is being described as the largest protest against the retail giant, with workers citing unfair treatment and demanding better working conditions.
The company, which employs over 800,000 people at more than 600 U.S. locations, claims that it does not expect significant disruptions to its operations.
Workers expressed concerns about the pressure to meet high productivity quotas, which they argue compromises their health and safety.
Jordan Soreff, a delivery driver in New York, highlighted the unrealistic demands placed on employees, stating, “The more you do, the more you’re expected to do.”
Despite the strike, Amazon’s shares rose by 1.8% on the same day. The company has emphasized its commitment to competitive wages and automation designed to reduce workplace injuries.
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Earlier this year, Amazon announced a $2.1 billion investment to increase pay for fulfillment and transportation workers.
The Teamsters union had set a December 15 deadline for negotiations, which passed without talks.
Amazon disputes the union’s claims about its workforce representation, stating that no elections or bargaining orders have been established for the facilities involved.
In solidarity with the U.S. strikes, striking actions are also taking place at Amazon warehouses in Germany.
With continued labor actions across various industries, including those at Starbucks and in the automotive sector, the pressure on Amazon to address workers’ rights issues is intensifying.
