Teamsters Launch Strike Against Amazon - 1
Teamsters
Teamsters Launch Strike Against Amazon - 1
The Teamsters are poised to make history as they launch the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history. Beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 19, the strike follows Amazon’s refusal to comply with the law and bargain with thousands of its workers who have organized with the Teamsters. “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” said Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President. “We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them.”
Workers and Allies Mobilize Nationwide
Picket lines will form at major Amazon facilities, including DBK4 in New York City, DGT8 in Atlanta, DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California, DCK6 in San Francisco, and DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois. Additional Amazon Teamsters and warehouse workers across the country are prepared to join the strike, which is expected to disrupt operations nationwide.
Local unions are also establishing primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers. Workers without collective bargaining agreements have the legal right to honor these picket lines by withholding their labor, amplifying the strike’s impact.
“What we’re doing is historic,” said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco. “We are fighting against a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win.”
Teamsters Launch Largest Strike against Amazon in American History - 1
Teamsters
Teamsters Launch Largest Strike against Amazon in American History - 1
Teamsters Launch Largest Strike against Amazon in American History - 1
Teamsters
Teamsters Launch Largest Strike against Amazon in American History - 1
Amazon's Wealth vs. Worker Wages
Amazon, the second-largest corporation on the Fortune 500 list, is valued at more than $2 trillion. Yet, workers argue the company fails to provide wages and conditions that allow employees to meet basic needs.
“Amazon talks a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, they don’t respect us or our right to negotiate,” said Gabriel Irizarry, a driver at DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois. “We can’t even afford to pay our bills.”
Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have joined the Teamsters, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
“I’ve seen the Teamsters win big battles,” said Dia Ortiz, a worker at DBK4 in New York City. “We’re ready to do what it takes to win this one.”