Amazon Employees Stage Walkouts at Multiple U.S. Depots during Busy Holiday Purchasing Period
Headline
Amazon Employees Stage Walkouts at Multiple U.S. Depots during Busy Holiday Purchasing Period
Workers affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at numerous Amazon facilities across the U.S. are prepared to stage a walkout starting Thursday morning, potentially disrupting the e-commerce giant's operations during the busy holiday shopping period.
Key Points
In a statement released late Wednesday, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that the strike will commence at 6 a.m. EST on Thursday, with union members from seven Amazon facilities joining the protest line.
The affected warehouses include locations in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Illinois, and three facilities in Southern California.
The Teamsters asserted that Amazon had been given a specific deadline to engage in discussions regarding improved working conditions and wages for the unionized staff, but the company allegedly opted to disregard this demand.
The Teamsters claim to represent approximately 10,000 Amazon workers, which equates to 1% of the more than 1 million full and part-time employees the company employs in the United States.
Amazon countered by stating that it had boosted the minimum starting wage for its warehouse and transportation workers in the U.S. by 20% over the past six years, resulting in an average base wage of $22.
The company further asserted that it does not anticipate the strike to affect its operations.
Get Our Website Signaling Alerts: We're introducing text message alerts to ensure you're always in the know about the biggest stories dominating the day's headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here*.
Significant Quote
"Should your delivery encounter a delay during the holidays, point your finger at Amazon's insatiable avarice...These cupiditous executives had numerous opportunities to exhibit decency and respect for the labor force responsible for generating their colossal profits. Instead, they pushed their workers to their breaking point, and now they're reaping the consequences. This strike is their doing," Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien declared.
Main Antagonist
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel voiced criticism of the Teamsters in a statement shared with Our Website, accusing the organization of employing threats, intimidation, and a quest to coerce Amazon employees into joining the union. The statement also claimed: "For over a year now, the Teamsters have persistently misled the public – asserting that they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers'. They don't, and this is simply another attempt to propagate a deceptive narrative."
Additional Reading
Teamsters declare Amazon workers will strike at multiple facilities as union pursues labor agreement (Associated Press)
The Teamsters, representing approximately 10,000 Amazon workers, are set to stage a walkout at various Amazon facilities, including those in New York City and Southern California, starting Thursday morning due to their demands for improved working conditions and wages being disregarded by Amazon. The Amazon teamsters' strike at these Amazon warehouses could potentially disrupt the company's operations during the holiday shopping period.
The Amazon teamsters' strike, though countered by Amazon claiming they have boosted minimum wages for warehouse and transportation workers by 20% over six years, may still exert pressure on Amazon warehouses, as union members from seven facilities join the protest line.