Amazon workers and some allies are planning a global strike during one of the company's biggest weekends, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.
The strike, called “Make Amazon Pay,” is being organized by UNI Global Union and Progressive International. It starts on Friday and lasts until Monday, and is usually a very busy time for online commerce with lots of sales.
The strike aims to hold giant corporations accountable for what organizers describe as labor abuses, “environmental degradation and threats to democracy.”
Organizers say thousands of demonstrators are expected to take part in the strike in more than 20 countries. The campaign will unite more than 80 trade unions and advocacy groups. Protests are planned in several cities, including in parts of France. In addition to hundreds of workers in New Delhi, thousands of workers are expected to protest in Germany.
The group says this is the fifth year that workers are trying to “make Amazon pay” through action.
Christy Hoffman, general secretary of the UNI Glove union, said Amazon's “relentless pursuit of profit” was at the expense of its workers, economy and democracy.
Owner Jeff Bezos said, “The company has spent untold amounts of money trying to prevent workers from organizing, but strikes and protests around the world are a sign of workers demanding justice.'' 's desire for union representation is unstoppable,'' Hoffman said in a statement.
This strike may cause delays in holiday deliveries to customers. ABC News reported.
Amazon defended its treatment of employees in a statement to the magazine.
Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hurd told the ABC: “This group continues to promote a deliberately misleading and false story.” “The truth is, Amazon offers great pay, benefits, and great opportunities.”
