The Teamsters union initiated a strike against Amazon on Thursday morning, with workers forming picket lines across facilities in four states. The union claims this to be the largest strike in Amazon's history, escalating tensions during the high-stakes holiday delivery period.
Starting at 6 a.m. ET, workers from a facility in New York City, one in Atlanta, three in Southern California, one in San Francisco, and one in Skokie, Illinois, joined the strike. The timing, just a week before Christmas, adds pressure to the already bustling season of last-minute gift deliveries.
The union asserts that the strike stems from Amazon’s failure to meet a December 15 deadline to engage in negotiations. “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” stated Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a press release.
“We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit, and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them,” O’Brien emphasized.
Amazon Pushes Back on Union Claims
Amazon refuted the Teamsters' statements, accusing the union of spreading misinformation. "For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public — claiming that they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers.' They don’t," said Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson.
Nantel further alleged that the Teamsters had attempted to coerce employees and third-party drivers into joining the union, actions which she described as illegal and the subject of pending labor practice charges.
Amazon, which employs approximately 1.5 million people globally, insists its workforce has the choice to unionize but highlights its competitive pay, health benefits, and career growth opportunities—key issues unions often address.
Teamsters' Growing Membership
Despite Amazon’s rebuttals, the Teamsters report that nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have joined their ranks, a fraction of the retail giant’s massive workforce. Valued at $2 trillion, Amazon faces increasing scrutiny over its labor practices, with this strike marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict.
As the holiday delivery season hits its peak, the impact of this strike remains to be seen, with both sides steadfast in their positions and consumers caught in the middle.
