A major strike is expected to hit Amazon, founded in 1994, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Workers are reportedly demanding better labor conditions and benefits from Amazon. The strike, organized by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, aims to hold Amazon accountable for alleged labor abuses, environmental harm, and more.
In this gallery, we take a closer look into the strike.
In 2023, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Amazon for hazardous conditions at its Logan Township, New Jersey warehouse. Workers had faced bodily stress, leading to muscular disorders and neck and back injuries. OSHA also found Amazon failed to provide proper medical care for injured employees.
Separately, the Missouri Workers Center filed a complaint with OSHA, alleging unsafe work rates and mistreatment by Amazon’s medical staff at a St. Louis warehouse. Workers claimed Amazon’s practices reflect a pattern of safety violations across its facilities.
UNI Global Union’s General Secretary Christy Hoffman said, “No matter how much they spend to fight us, corporations like Amazon cannot break the power of workers standing together. In Germany, ver.di has led the charge for over a decade, demanding collective bargaining rights — a fight that resonates across the globe.”
Hoffman added, “From India to the United States, the U.K. to Canada, workers are rising against exploitation and corporate intimidation. ‘Make Amazon Pay Day’ is a powerful testament to our unity and momentum. No company — no matter how wealthy — can silence the cause of workers demanding justice.”
Amazon accused organizers of promoting a “false narrative,” claiming it provides great pay, benefits, and opportunities while creating over 1.5 million jobs globally.
Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards stated, “The fact is, at Amazon we provide great pay, great benefits, and great opportunities — all from day one. We’ve created more than 1.5 million jobs around the world, and counting, and we provide a modern, safe, and engaging workplace whether you work in an office or at one of our operations buildings.”
Hoffman wrote, “Bezos’s company has spent untold millions to stop workers from organizing, but the strikes and protests happening around the world show that workers’ desire for justice — for union representation — can’t be stopped. We stand united in demanding that Amazon treat its workers fairly, respect fundamental rights, and stop undermining the systems meant to protect us all. ‘Make Amazon Pay Day’ is becoming a global act of resistance against Amazon’s abuse of power.”
The looming event marks the fifth year of strikes during the holiday season. In New Delhi, workers will rally after alleged mistreatment during a severe heatwave last summer.
The strike is expected to involve workers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, India, and Brazil, supported by unions, anti-poverty groups, and labor rights advocates.