Amazon is facing its largest strike in US history as thousands of workers from the Teamsters union walk out at facilities across the country, citing insatiable greed by the company. The 10,000-strong workforce, which includes drivers and warehouse staff, will begin striking on Thursday morning, coinciding with the Christmas holiday season.
The Teamsters claim Amazon has refused to negotiate a contract with workers, leading to the strike. In a statement, General President Sean M. O’Brien said: “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.” The union accuses Amazon of ignoring a deadline to bargain with workers and instead attempting to coerce employees into joining the union.
Amazon has responded, stating that the Teamsters have illegally pressured workers to join the union. However, the company has taken steps to improve wages for its employees, including increasing starting minimum wage by 20% and average base wage to $22 per hour. The team’s facilities in New York City, Atlanta, and several locations in Southern California will be among those affected.
The strike comes after workers at Amazon facilities authorized a walkout earlier this year. Amazon’s first unionized warehouse, located on Staten Island, has been the focus of labor disputes since 2022. The National Labor Relations Board certified the Teamsters’ representation for workers at that facility, but Amazon has appealed the decision.
As the strike begins, thousands of Amazon workers will be leaving their facilities to join picket lines across the country.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/teamsters-announces-nationwide-strike-amazon-begin-thursday/story?id=116931631