 "The push for strikes follows a missed deadline on 15 December, when Amazon was expected to agree to talks with workers at its JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the first Amazon warehouse in the US to unionise after a historic 2022 election. Image Credit: Reuters")
Thousands of Amazon workers across the United States are preparing to go on strike starting Thursday, just days before the critical holiday shopping season. The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Amazon and its employees over the company’s refusal to negotiate contracts with unionised workers.
Union locals have been organising picket lines and other actions outside Amazon facilities nationwide. The push for strikes follows a missed deadline on 15 December, when Amazon was expected to agree to talks with workers at its JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the first Amazon warehouse in the US to unionise after a historic 2022 election.
Union calls for action nationwide
Union locals, including the Teamsters, are rallying support for Amazon workers. In Detroit, Teamsters local 299 had announced planned strike shifts for 19 and 20 December, urging solidarity among union members. Though the announcement was later deleted, the momentum has continued.
In Portland, Oregon, another Teamsters chapter issued flyers announcing picket lines on Thursday and Friday, accusing Amazon of refusing to recognise or negotiate with the union. Workers at several Amazon facilities, including locations in Staten Island, Queens, southern California, and Skokie, Illinois, have already voted to authorise strikes. Meanwhile, workers at two facilities near Atlanta have also signalled the possibility of joining the walkouts.
Growing frustration over Amazon’s labour practices
Sean O’Brien, the general president of the Teamsters, criticised Amazon for its treatment of workers, describing the company’s executives as “corporate elitists” who prioritise profits over employee well-being. He accused Amazon of exploiting its workforce and avoiding accountability as an employer, calling for change in a “rigged system.”
O’Brien warned that if workers are forced to strike, Amazon would ultimately harm itself. These remarks come as employees have increasingly highlighted concerns about workplace injuries, alleged abuses, and the company’s failure to engage with union demands.
Amazon pushes back
Amazon has strongly denied the accusations, with spokesperson Eileen Hands accusing the Teamsters of using illegal tactics such as intimidation and coercion to pressure employees and third-party drivers to join the union. The company claims these actions are the subject of ongoing unfair labour practice charges against the union.
As the strike looms, the standoff underscores the deepening divide between Amazon’s leadership and its workforce. With the holiday rush fast approaching, the strike could have significant consequences for both employees and consumers, potentially disrupting deliveries during the busiest shopping period of the year.