Amazon is facing a potential strike threat just as the holiday rush draws closer to its peak. Taking their wages and working conditions seriously, Amazon union workers are gearing up to walk off the job after voting overwhelmingly to authorize the resistance. The planned strikes are set to take place at two New York City facilities—JFK8 and DBK4—following accusations against the e-commerce company for allegedly refusing to legally recognize their union and negotiate a contract.
“We are ready to strike to stop Amazon’s unfair labor practices,” the Amazon Teamsters force proclaimed online. “Amazon is legally required to bargain a union contract addressing our low pay and unsafe working conditions. We are going to hold this company accountable.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters confirmed the strike authorization after conducting votes across 10 facilities nationwide, leading to justified calls for improved working conditions. The vote at DBK4 facility was believed to be nearly unanimous. Amazon was asked to confirm dates for bargaining over contracts by December 15, 2024, yet there has been no indication they plan to negotiate earnestly.
“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We’ve been clear: Amazon has until December 15 to come to the table and bargain for a contract. If these white-collar criminals want to keep breaking the law, they best prepare for a fight.”
James Saccardo, who works at the JFK8 facility, expressed the disappointment felt by many workers. “We aren’t asking for much. We just want what everyone else in America wants — to do our jobs and get paid enough to take care of ourselves and our families. And Amazon isn’t letting us do just this.”
Countering these claims, Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards accused the Teamsters union of misleading the public. “The Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public—claiming they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’,” Hards stated, aiming to counter the narrative being pushed by union representatives. “The truth is, they have actively threatened and intimidated Amazon employees to join them.”
This pushback isn't surprising, considering Amazon's historical reputation as being anti-union. The company has been frequently criticized for its anti-union activities and has yet to acknowledge the formation of the unions at its facilities, as they currently battle to overturn National Labor Relations Board rulings on past union victories.
Concerns over working conditions have reached new heights, with reports highlighting injury rates at Amazon warehouses being “more than 1.8 times” higher than the corresponding rates across other companies for the past seven years. Senator Bernie Sanders, who chairs the Senate Committee behind the report, stated, “Amazon’s executives repeatedly chose to put profits over the health and safety of its workers by ignoring recommendations aimed at significantly reducing injuries.”
With the deadline of December 15 to clarify negotiations fast approaching, tension mounts. Should Amazon fail to comply with the Teamsters’ demands, the more than 5,500 workers at the JFK8 fulfillment center and delivery drivers at the DBK4 station face the prospect of walking out during one of Amazon’s busiest seasons.
“This is my third holiday I’m giving to Amazon,” remarked James, who feels the pressure of demanding work conditions during the peak holiday shopping season. “I haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas with my family in years. The constant speed-up during this season makes it not only stressful but increasingly dangerous.”
With looming labor unrest seen across industries—from Canadian postal workers to hotel staff rallying for pay increases—it seems Amazon isn't the only company faced with pushback from its workforce. Corporately, Amazon is battling internal employee dissatisfaction against policies like the five-day return-to-office mandate. Nevertheless, they appear relatively unfazed by threats of mass exodus from employees.
The upcoming strike threatens more than just company profits; it signifies the broader labor movement’s sentiments echoing nationwide. Workers are demanding not only recognition but immediate tangible actions to improve their working environment, health, and wages. It remains to be seen how Amazon will navigate this landmine as the busiest shopping season approaches. All eyes will be on the company and its decision to either provoke or honor the rights of its workers.
