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Thousands of Amazon workers across the country organized under the Teamsters union will take to the picket line at 6 a.m. Thursday after the company “repeatedly refuses to abide by the law and negotiate”, the union announced in a news release. did.
Amazon Teamsters at seven facilities in Skokie, Illinois; The union says New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco and Southern California will take part in the “largest strike” against a trillion-dollar company in U.S. history. Employees at other facilities are also ready to join them.
The Teamsters says it represents about 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities in the United States, but the company does not allow its workers to unionize.
Amazon says Teamsters union is 'by design' [misleading] Because they do not represent Amazon employees or drivers, company spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said in a statement to Fox Business.
Amazon workers plan strike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Amazon workers affiliated with the Teamsters union are walking off the job at seven facilities across the country in a historic strike against the trillion-dollar company. (Nathan Stark/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“For more than a year, the Teamsters have intentionally misled the public by claiming they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,' which they do not. No. This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said. . “The truth is that the Teamsters were actively trying to intimidate, intimidate, and coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers into participating, which is illegal and requires multiple actions against the union. The company is the subject of pending unfair labor practice charges.
Nantel also said the company “does not anticipate any impact on our operations.”
Amazon warehouse workers and drivers who don't have collective bargaining agreements can legally stand on picket lines by withholding work, the Teamsters union said. (Reuters/Carlo Allegri/Reuters Photo)
The strike comes as the Teamsters say Amazon ignored the union's Dec. 15 deadline to negotiate a new contract for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions. This was done in response to the claims made.
“If your package gets delayed during the holidays, you can blame it on Amazon's insatiable greed,” Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said in a statement. “We gave them a clear deadline, but they ignored it.”
He added: “These greedy business owners had every opportunity to show courtesy and respect to those who are making their illicit profits possible. Instead, they pushed workers to the limit and now they They are paying the price. This strike is against them.” ”
Teamsters union launches new division to support Amazon workers: 'Protecting workers from unrestricted exploitation'
The Teamsters said major picket lines have been set up at Amazon fulfillment centers across the country, set up by local unions, and warehouse workers and drivers who don't have a collective bargaining agreement can withhold their work. They say they can be legally respected.
“Amazon is one of the largest and richest companies in the world,” said Gabriel Irizarry, a driver for DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois. “They talk big things about taking care of their employees, but at the end of the day, Amazon doesn't respect our right to negotiate better working conditions and wages. I can’t even afford to pay.”
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In a Wednesday night X post, the Teamsters said Amazon workers have run out of patience with the company and are “preparing to strike” to win the contract they deserve.
Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said Amazon shoppers could accuse the company of “greed” if the strike, scheduled to begin Thursday morning, affects the holiday season. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“What we're doing is historic,” said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco. “We are fighting a vicious union-busting campaign and we are determined to win.”
Fox Business has reached out to Amazon for comment.
