Workers' Forum

Amazon Workers' Worldwide Strike Hits Hard

Bangladesh, November 29, 2024

Thousands of Amazon workers around the world went on strike November 29, Black Friday, until Cyber Monday, December 2. The strike, called "Make Amazon Pay," brought to the fore the demands of Amazon workers for increased wages, better working conditions and a greater say in resolving issues of concern, like injuries and environmental problems. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., is one of the busiest shopping days of the year and was chosen to have greater impact on Amazon.

The strike involved demonstrations in more than 20 countries with protests organized for all four days. German warehouse workers were joined by those from the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Nepal as they walked out of Amazon warehouses. Similar demonstrations took place in Canada, France, UK, Bangladesh, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, and Australia. In India, an estimated 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers gathered in New Delhi November 29, under their banner, "Make Amazon Pay." Additional actions took place in twelve cities. Amazon workers who are members of the Teamsters Union held demonstrations across the U.S., including in California, Georgia, New York, Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois.

United States, November 29, 2024

The strikes and actions were organized by the UNI Global Union and Progressive International and served to hold Amazon accountable for the substantial number of injuries and unsafe conditions, efforts to intimidate organizers, refusal to negotiate contracts and environmental degradation. Amazon workers, like those in New York City for example, achieved union recognition for their Amazon Workers United union, then faced two years of Amazon's refusal to negotiate a contract.

Amazon has spent untold millions to stop workers from organizing and the strikes and protests are showing workers will not be intimidated and persist in demanding their rights to organize. Amazon workers are increasingly speaking out around the world, demanding their rights and accountability for Amazon's attacks.

As another means to block organizing in the U.S., Amazon has challenged the constitutionality of the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees union elections and labour law. It has also spent millions on lobbying to secure its interests in Europe.

A spokesperson for the actions estimated many thousands of workers were involved in the strikes. More than 30 unions, environmental organizations and various rights organizations are part of the effort. This year is the fifth year that "Make Amazon Pay" actions have been organized. The first event was launched in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic as Amazon saw record profits. The movement has expanded each year as more workers get organized and rights organizations join in.