Amazon Workers Nationwide Strike at Warehouses During Peak Holiday Season – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
8:26 AM – Thursday, December 19, 2024
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Amazon warehouse workers ceased their duties at multiple facilities throughout the United States.
Advertisement
According to the Teamsters union, this marks the largest strike against Amazon just days before Christmas. The action affected seven warehouses, including locations in New York City, Atlanta, three facilities in Southern California, one in San Francisco, and one in Skokie, Illinois.
The Teamsters also announced plans to establish primary picket lines at numerous Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute that to Amazon’s relentless greed,” stated Teamsters general president Sean M. O’Brien in a press release.
“We set a clear deadline for Amazon to engage in negotiations for our members, and they chose to ignore it.”
Teamsters set December 15th as the deadline for Amazon to commence new discussions regarding a collective bargaining agreement, which was reportedly ignored.
On the other hand, Amazon has accused the Teamsters of illegally coercing workers into union membership. The Teamsters claim to represent 10,000 Amazon workers across the country.
Currently, Amazon employs approximately 1.5 million individuals in its warehouses and corporate offices.
“The Teamsters have misled the public for over a year, asserting that they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers.’ This is untrue and a misguided narrative,” said Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel.
“The reality is the Teamsters have engaged in threats, intimidation, and coercion against Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join their ranks, actions which are illegal and have led to multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.”
In response, Amazon stated that it has raised the starting minimum wage for its drivers and fulfillment center workers by 20%.
The company further noted that its employees already receive competitive salaries, immediate healthcare benefits, a 401k match, and avenues for career advancement, with the average base wage increasing to $22 per hour as of September.
A post on X from Teamsters on Wednesday evening indicated that their Amazon workers have grown impatient with the company and are preparing to strike to secure the contract they deserve.
“What we’re doing is historic,” remarked Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco. “We are standing against a formidable union-busting effort, and we are determined to win.”
Stay informed! Get breaking news alerts directly in your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisements below
