Workers Demand Fair Treatment in Largest Strike Against $2 Trillion Giant
On Thursday, December 19, at 6 a.m. EST, the Teamsters union will initiate the largest-ever strike against Amazon in U.S. history. The historic nationwide protest is fueled by Amazon’s refusal to bargain with thousands of workers who have organized under the union’s leadership. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing 1.3 million workers across North America, announced the strike after accusing Amazon of ignoring repeated calls for negotiation.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” stated Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. He emphasized that the corporation had ample opportunities to negotiate and blamed Amazon executives for pushing workers to the breaking point. “This strike is on them,” he added.
Strikes Set to Disrupt Amazon Operations Nationwide
Amazon workers are set to join picket lines at multiple facilities across major cities, including DBK4 in New York City, DGT8 in Atlanta, DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California, DCK6 in San Francisco, and DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois. Additional facilities across the country are also prepared to join the strike. Teamsters local unions have organized primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon fulfillment centers nationwide.
The union highlights that even workers at Amazon facilities without collective bargaining agreements have the legal right to honor these picket lines by withholding their labor. Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker from DCK6 in San Francisco, expressed the significance of this action: “What we’re doing is historic. We are fighting against a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win.”
The Teamsters have launched the biggest strike against Amazon in U.S. history, and it comes during the height of the retailer’s busy holiday season. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
Workers Demand Better Wages and Conditions
Amazon, the second-largest corporation on the Fortune 500 list, is valued at over $2 trillion but faces criticism for failing to provide adequate wages and working conditions for its employees. Gabriel Irizarry, a driver at DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois, voiced frustration: “Amazon talks a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, they do not respect us or our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. We can’t even afford to pay our bills.”
Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have joined the Teamsters union, rallying for higher wages, safer workplaces, and improved benefits. Dia Ortiz, a worker from DBK4 in New York, expressed confidence in the union’s strength, saying, “I’ve seen the Teamsters win big battles. We’re ready to do what it takes to win this one.”
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union has a long history of advocating for labor rights and continues to support workers in their fight against corporate exploitation. As the strike unfolds, the disruption to Amazon’s operations during the holiday season may spotlight the growing movement for workers’ rights at one of the world’s largest corporations.
