Amazon workers at four California facilities could walk off the job in a matter of days, just ahead of the holiday season. The Teamsters Union has authorized a potential strike over wages, benefits, and working conditions. According to labor attorney Kent Wong, this move is significant as it shows organized labor coast-to-coast.
The Amazon Teamsters released a video stating their concerns about working conditions at facilities in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington. The group claims that Amazon’s promises of increased pay and benefits have not translated into reality for many workers.
Amazon disputes the union’s claim, saying they do represent thousands of employees and drivers. However, the actual number of affected workers is likely much lower.
Stanford’s Bill Gould acknowledges the Teamsters’ concerns about employment conditions, but questions their ability to garner significant support. Amazon has offered increased pay, with an average worker earning $22 an hour and $29 an hour with benefits.
Critics argue that these wages are insufficient for many workers to make ends meet, citing rising costs of rent, food, and gas. The strike’s impact on the holiday season remains uncertain, as negotiations between the union and Amazon have yet to begin in earnest.
Source: https://abc7news.com/post/amazon-strike-workers-4-california-facilities-could-walk-off-job-days-before-christmas-hanukkah/15670276