Amazon Strike
Zeynep Demir Aslim
Amazon Strike
Union demands fair wages, safer conditions as Amazon refuses to negotiate. Workers at Amazon’s JFK8 and DBK4 facilities in New York City have voted overwhelmingly to authorize strikes, citing the corporation’s refusal to recognize their union and negotiate a fair contract. The votes come amidst growing frustration over Amazon’s low wages and hazardous working conditions.
Teamsters Leader Calls Out Amazon
“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” said Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the Teamsters. “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 better get ready for a fight.”
Amazon workers at 10 facilities across the country have organized with the Teamsters, but the company has consistently failed to meet its legal obligation to bargain with unionized employees.
Amazon Delivery
Cineberg / Shutterstock
Amazon Delivery
Amazon Delivery
Cineberg / Shutterstock
Amazon Delivery
Historic Unionization at JFK8
In June, over 5,500 workers at the JFK8 Staten Island fulfillment center made history by affiliating with the Teamsters and chartering Amazon Labor Union (ALU)-IBT Local 1. These workers have since authorized a strike, demanding fair wages, better benefits, and improved safety standards.
“Our members are ready to do whatever it takes to get a contract,” said Connor Spence, President of ALU-IBT Local 1. “While Amazon continues to disrespect us by refusing to listen to our concerns, our movement is only growing stronger.”
JFK8 worker James Saccardo emphasized the need for basic workplace dignity: “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 that.”
Amazon Strike Image from Teamsters
NYC Newswire
Amazon Strike Image from Teamsters
Amazon Strike Image from Teamsters
NYC Newswire
Amazon Strike Image from Teamsters
DBK4 Workers Unite
At DBK4 in Queens, the city’s largest Amazon delivery station, workers also voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike.
“Driving for Amazon is tough,” said DBK4 worker Luc Rene. “What’s even tougher is fighting a mega-corporation that constantly breaks the law and games the system. But we won’t give up.”
Vincent Perrone, President of Local 804, voiced the union’s full support for the workers. “Amazon Teamsters are ready to strike. They are being left with no other choice. These Amazon workers have the full weight of our union supporting them.”