Amazon workers across the United States have been gearing up for a strike in response to the tech giant’s refusal to engage in contract negotiations. The strike was set to take place days before Christmas, with union members preparing for picketing outside Amazon facilities.
The deadline for Amazon to begin negotiations with workers at its JFK8 warehouse on Staten Island was December 15th, marking the first Amazon warehouse in the U.S. to contest a 2022 union election.
Teamsters Local 299 in Detroit called for support for Amazon workers, urging solidarity within the Teamster family. The strike occurred on December 19th and 20th at a facility in metro Detroit.
Teamsters Local 206 in Portland, Oregon, also announced plans to picket Amazon warehouses, citing Amazon’s refusal to recognize or negotiate with the Teamsters at its facilities.
In various locations, Amazon employees voted to authorize strikes, with General President Sean O’Brien of the Teamsters condemning Amazon executives for pushing workers to the brink.
Amazon criticized the Teamsters for allegedly coercing employees and third-party drivers into participating in the strike, citing multiple pending unfair labor practice charges.
Source: www.theguardian.com
