Amazon workers in 20 countries plan a strike, potentially disrupting one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
At a Glance
- Amazon workers from 20 countries are organizing a strike
- The “Make Amazon Pay” campaign demands better labor rights and environmental accountability
- Protests will occur in major cities across the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Brazil
- Amazon dismisses the campaign’s allegations as misleading
- Customers may experience delivery delays due to the strikes
Global Strike Against Amazon
In a significant display of worker solidarity, Amazon employees from 20 countries are set to strike during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The strike is part of the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign organized by UNI Global Union and Progressive International. This coordinated action aims to address longstanding issues concerning labor rights, environmental policies, and democratic processes within the e-commerce giant.
The campaign, now in its fifth year, has gained momentum as thousands of workers, particularly in Germany, are expected to participate. Protests are planned in major cities across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Brazil. The scale of this action suggests a growing discontent among Amazon’s global workforce, potentially impacting the company’s operations during a critical sales period.
Amazon workers launching strikes and protests on Black Friday: https://t.co/ez8Ob9B85s
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 29, 2024
Demands and Allegations
The “Make Amazon Pay” campaign raises serious concerns about Amazon’s business practices. Organizers allege that the company has underreported lobbying expenses in Europe, leading to a ban on its lobbyists by the European Parliament. In the United States, Amazon’s legal challenge to the National Labor Relations Board is viewed as a potential threat to worker protections. Additionally, the company faces accusations of intimidating employees in Germany, Canada, and the UK to deter unionization efforts.
The campaign involves a diverse coalition of unions and advocacy groups focused on tax justice, garment workers’ rights, and anti-poverty initiatives. These organizations are united in their call for Amazon to improve working conditions, take greater environmental responsibility, and commit to fair and ethical operations.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon has dismissed the campaign’s allegations, characterizing them as misleading. A company spokesperson stated, “This group […] continues to promote a false narrative,” asserting that Amazon provides competitive benefits and growth opportunities to its employees. The company maintains that it offers great pay and benefits, countering the campaign’s claims.
As the strike unfolds, customers may experience delivery delays, potentially impacting Amazon’s reputation for swift and reliable service. The “Make Amazon Pay Day” is being described as a global act of resistance against what organizers perceive as Amazon’s abuse of power, highlighting the ongoing tension between the company’s business model and workers’ rights advocates.
Sources:
Amazon Workers Planning Strike from Black Friday Through Cyber Monday
