Amazon warehouse workers staged walkouts at seven facilities across the U.S.—including locations in New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco—on Thursday, just ahead of the critical holiday shipping window. The strike, organized by the Teamsters union, represents a small fraction of the company’s 800,000-strong U.S. workforce but signals growing discontent over working conditions and quotas.
Worker Grievances: Quotas and Safety
Workers argue that Amazon’s high delivery targets are damaging their health and well-being. One driver, Jordan Soreff, claimed the demand to deliver 300 packages daily is “simply unsustainable.”
The Teamsters have demanded Amazon begin negotiations by December 15, citing the need for safer, fairer working conditions.
Amazon Response: Business As Usual
Amazon said the strike did not disrupt operations, and defended its labor practices, noting it offers industry-leading pay and has raised average wages to around $22/hour, including a $2.1 billion investment to boost frontline compensation.
The company also rejected union claims, accusing organizers of spreading misinformation and coercing employees.
Broader Labor Movement and Global Support
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German labor union Ver.di launched parallel strikes at Amazon facilities in solidarity with U.S. workers.
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Amazon continues to dispute the legitimacy of the 2022 Staten Island unionization, and is legally challenging the NLRB's decision.
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The action mirrors a wave of labor activism across the U.S., including strikes by Starbucks baristas and Boeing workers earlier this year.
Minimal Disruption to Holiday Deliveries
Despite the timing, analysts expect little impact on Amazon’s core logistics, citing the company’s robust infrastructure and relatively low strike participation