Thousands of Amazon workers in the United States will strike on Thursday, raising pressure on the company during its busiest time of the year.
The walkout is driven by demands for better pay and improved working conditions, as union representatives accuse the retailer of failing to engage in contract negotiations.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that workers from seven Amazon facilities across major cities like New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco would join the strike.
These facilities are a small fraction of Amazon’s workforce, but their participation during the peak holiday shopping period could disrupt operations.
Union officials claim that Amazon has ignored their requests to discuss contracts, even after a deadline set for Sunday. According to Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, the strike is a response to what he described as the company’s disregard for its workers’ contributions.
Amazon has long resisted unionisation, maintaining that it prefers a direct relationship with employees. The company denies the Teamsters’ claims of representation, accusing the union of misleading the public and using coercive tactics to attract members.
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson refuted the union’s allegations and emphasised the company’s competitive wages and investments in employee welfare.
Amazon recently announced a $2.1 billion initiative to raise base pay for its U.S. employees, noting the move as a focus on supporting its workforce.
Nonetheless, labour disputes continue to affect the e-commerce giant. Workers in Staten Island, who voted to unionise in 2022, are still without a contract as Amazon disputes the legitimacy of their union.
Legal issues over union activities have also surfaced in Alabama, where a third election has been ordered following allegations of misconduct.
Reports reveal that Amazon’s focus on productivity has led to unsafe working conditions. A recent Senate investigation claimed the company’s operational demands were linked to high injury rates among warehouse staff. Amazon has dismissed the findings, labelling them as outdated and misrepresented.
The strike follows other worker actions against Amazon, including the global “Make Amazon Pay” campaign last month.
