Amazon's union has authorized strikes at two New York facilities ahead of a looming December 15 bargaining deadline.
“Amazon Teamsters at two New York City facilities, JFK8 and DBK4, are striking after Amazon illegally refused to recognize their union and negotiate a contract that addresses the company's low wages and dangerous working conditions. They voted overwhelmingly to approve,” the Teamsters wrote in the article. post on the social platform X Friday.
The Hill has reached out to Amazon for comment.
The strike comes after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters called on Amazon to agree to a union contract negotiation date by Dec. 15.
“Amazon is not showing its workers the respect they deserve and is pushing them closer to the picket line. We are clear that Amazon has until December 15th to come to the table and negotiate a contract. If these white-collar criminals want to continue breaking the law, they better get ready to fight,” Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said in the post. said in a statement.
Thousands of Amazon workers went on strike late last month demanding higher wages and better working conditions during one of the company's busiest weekends of the year. The Amazon Pay Day strike, organized by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, was aimed at “holding Amazon accountable for labor abuses, environmental destruction, and threats to democracy,” the trade union federation said. announced. stated in a statement.
This year's strike marks the fifth year since demonstrations were held during Cyber Weekend.
Amazon pushed back on the group's accusations last month, claiming that Global Union “continues to intentionally promote a misleading and false narrative.”
Earlier this year, the company spent more than $2 billion in pay increases for its domestic delivery and transportation employees, raising their base pay to at least $22 an hour, or at least $29 an hour, including health and other benefits. announced that it would be lifted. The company says it offers vision and dental insurance, a 50% company match in a 401(k), and up to 20 weeks of paid vacation.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (R-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has been a vocal supporter of unions and supports pending strikes.
“Amazon delivery drivers and warehouse workers deserve decent wages, benefits, working conditions, and the right to form a union,” Sanders wrote. post X Saturday. “I strongly support the thousands of Amazon workers who will strike tomorrow if Amazon does not stop its illegal union-busting practices.”
