On Thursday, members of the Teamsters union initiated a strike across seven Amazon facilities in four states, marking one of the largest labor actions against the e-commerce giant. The union accuses Amazon of refusing to negotiate fair wages and benefits for its workers, particularly those employed by third-party contractors.
Sean O’Brien, Teamsters General President, emphasized the union’s frustration: “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.”
1. Where Are Amazon Workers on Strike?
The strike began at 6 a.m. ET at a facility in Queens, New York. Shortly after, workers in Skokie, Illinois, joined the action, followed by employees at facilities in Atlanta, San Francisco, Victorville, and the City of Industry, California. The Teamsters also announced plans to organize picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide.
🚨 BREAKING: The Teamsters Union has launched the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history. 🚨
Amazon has forced this strike by refusing to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters.
Now, Amazon Teamsters at facilities… pic.twitter.com/9gRej7GANm
— Teamsters (@Teamsters) December 19, 2024
2. What Are the Demands of Amazon Workers?
Amazon workers are demanding industry-standard wages and benefits. Luke Cianciotto, a driver striking in Skokie, Illinois, shared his struggles to CNN: “Many of us don’t have any Christmas presents under the tree this year. The wages and hours we get working for Amazon simply aren’t enough to get by in today’s economy”.
The union highlights Amazon’s significant profits as evidence of its ability to meet worker demands. In the first nine months of 2024, Amazon reported a net income of $39.2 billion, more than double the same period in 2023, with total revenue reaching $450.2 billion.
3. Is Amazon Affected by the Strike?
Amazon maintains that its operations will remain largely unaffected, as the Teamsters represent fewer than 1% of the company’s U.S. workforce. Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, dismissed the union’s claims, stating, “The Teamsters don’t represent any Amazon employees despite their claims to the contrary. This entire narrative is a PR play”, said him in a statement to ABC News.
However, the timing of the strike—just days before Christmas and Hanukkah—aims to exert maximum pressure on Amazon by potentially delaying holiday deliveries and encouraging customers to shop elsewhere.
4. Are Amazon Workers Direct Employees of Amazon?
A central point of contention is the employment status of the striking workers. Many are employed by third-party contractors but deliver packages in Amazon-branded vans while wearing Amazon uniforms. “It’s heartbreaking for Amazon to tell us we’re not Amazon drivers when we wear Amazon vests and deliver in Amazon vans,” said Ash’shura Brooks, a driver in Skokie to CNN.
The Teamsters argue that these workers qualify as joint employees under a recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule. Amazon and other business groups are challenging this rule, which could be overturned in the near future.
5. How Does the Amazon Strike Compare to Other Labor Actions?
Shorter, targeted strikes like this one have gained popularity in recent years. These strikes often apply strategic pressure without the prolonged disruption of traditional, open-ended strikes. Notable examples include the successful 2023 healthcare worker strike at Kaiser Permanente.
While the duration of this strike remains uncertain, union officials have indicated it will last longer than a day.
6. Has Amazon Recognized Union Representation?
Amazon has consistently opposed union efforts. Despite the unionization of its Staten Island warehouse in April 2022—the first of its kind—the company has refused to negotiate a contract and continues to appeal the NLRB-certified election results.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel reaffirmed the company’s stance: “Our employees have a choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have. We favor opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual.”
7. What’s Next for the Amazon Strike?
The Teamsters hope the strike will not only pressure Amazon but also draw public attention to worker grievances. As Amazon navigates regulatory challenges, worker unrest, and holiday demand, the outcome of this labor action could have far-reaching implications for the company’s labor practices and the broader e-commerce industry.
This strike is a pivotal moment for Amazon, showcasing the growing power of organized labor in an era of increasing corporate profits and worker advocacy.
With information from CNN and ABC News
