Amazon and Starbucks employees are walking out across the country, with strikes taking place in multiple locations. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters launched a strike against Amazon, citing the company’s refusal to recognize a union contract that includes higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. The strike is expected to run through Christmas Eve.
The Teamsters union claims that Amazon has repeatedly refused to negotiate with employees and said in a statement that the strike is not a legitimate representation of its workers. However, the union says that thousands of Amazon employees and drivers are participating in the strike.
Strikes are being held at Amazon warehouses in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois. The strikes aim to push back against what the Teamsters call “Amazon’s insatiable greed.”
Meanwhile, Starbucks Workers United began hosting strikes at locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle on Friday, with additional cities expected to be added each day through Dec. 24. The union is seeking a base rate of $20 per hour for baristas, automatic 401(k) retirement plan enrollment, 100% employer-paid healthcare, and 13 days of paid sick leave.
Starbucks spokesperson Phil Gee said that the company has held over nine bargaining sessions with the union but claims that Workers United’s proposals are not sustainable.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/20/amazon-starbucks-strike-why-where/77111494007