Teamsters Union Ignites Largest-Ever US Strike Against Amazon!

The Teamsters Union has initiated what it calls the “largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history.” The strike began early Thursday as a protest against Amazon’s alleged illegal refusal to negotiate with its unionized drivers and warehouse staff nationwide.

Employees from various cities including New York City, Atlanta, and San Francisco, are taking part in the strike, with additional Amazon facilities ready to join should Amazon continue to refuse negotiations with its union workers.

On Wednesday, the Teamsters announced that they are establishing primary picket lines at numerous Amazon Fulfillment Centers across the nation.

According to the Teamsters, “Amazon’s warehouse workers and drivers, who are not currently under collective bargaining agreements, are legally entitled to support these picket lines by stopping work.”

Teamsters President, Sean O’Brien, stated late Wednesday, “Should your holiday packages be delayed, point your finger at Amazon’s relentless greed.” The union had set a December 15 deadline for Amazon to start contract discussions.

O’Brien expressed frustration saying, “We set a clear deadline for Amazon to negotiate fairly with our members, which they disregarded. These executives had ample opportunity to treat their workers with dignity. Instead, they chose to exploit them, and now they are facing the consequences. This strike is their own doing.”

The strike involves around 10,000 workers from 10 different U.S. facilities, with at least seven actively participating as of Thursday.

Leah Pensler, an employee at Amazon’s DCK6 facility in San Francisco, commented on the significance of the movement, “What we are doing is historic. We’re standing up against Amazon’s harsh anti-union tactics, and we’re going to succeed.”

On the picket line at the DBK4 facility in Queens, Ali Mohammed, a worker for an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, shared his daily challenges. He mentioned working 10-hour shifts, often longer, to manage the high volume of packages. To supplement his income, Mohammed also drives for Uber.

Mohammed hopes for negotiation, stating, “I just hope they can at least sit down and talk… and come to an agreement,” adding that Amazon should “take better care of their workers rather than just focusing on their profits.”

Despite Amazon’s vast market capitalization exceeding $2 trillion and significant expenditure on anti-union advisors, the company maintains it isn’t legally required to negotiate with the Teamsters. However, the National Labor Relations Board has recognized Amazon as a co-employer for some of its delivery drivers, obligating them to engage in bargaining with unionized workers.

“Amazon is one of the wealthiest global corporations,” said Gabriel Irizarry, a driver at the DIL7 facility in Skokie, Illinois. “They claim to care for their employees, but they actually show little respect for us and our rights to bargain for better wages and work conditions. Many of us struggle just to pay our bills.”

Yuli Lema, another driver, expressed her discontent with her inadequate wages and urged Amazon to “sit down with the union and negotiate.”

The action follows the Amazon Labor Union’s decision to join forces with the Teamsters earlier this year, after successfully organizing workers at the Staten Island warehouse. The JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island is among those that have authorized strikes.

Dia Ortiz, a DBK4 worker in New York, voiced her readiness, “I’ve seen the Teamsters win significant battles. We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to win this fight.”

Joining the Amazon workers on the Queens picket line, Rich Pawlikowski, a United Parcel Service driver, emphasized solidarity, “We’re all in this together. These workers aren’t trying to get rich; they just want enough to survive in an expensive city like New York. They want to be able to afford their rent, bills, food, and provide a decent life for their families.”