Shocking Black Friday rebellion: Amazon workers in 20+ countries rise up - Find out why!
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Black Friday sales are overwhelming–not only because of the deals and discounts, but also because of the volume of shoppers. With this, workers from retail and online shops all across the world also experience a backbreaking workload.
This period, known for its shopping frenzy, is when consumers traditionally splurge on holiday gifts. However, this year, it’s also a time for workers to come together to protest for this reason you’re about to find out.
In an unprecedented display of global solidarity, Amazon workers from over 20 countries, including powerhouses like the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Japan, and the U.K., are banding together to strike and protest from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, from November 29 until December 2.
The labor action is being orchestrated by UNI Global Union, a Switzerland-based labor group, and Progressive International, a grassroots political organization.
They have called upon thousands of workers to make their voices heard. In Germany alone, cities like Koblenz and Leipzig are expected to see significant strike activity.
The groups are aiming to protest on one of the biggest shopping weekends to raise the most awareness about Amazon’s alleged “anti-worker and anti-democratic practices.
However, this isn't the first time Amazon has faced labor unrest. In the U.S., there have been attempts to unionize, with varying degrees of success.
Notably, in 2022, an Amazon facility in New York City's Staten Island achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first company warehouse to vote for union representation. However, other unionization efforts have stumbled, highlighting the challenges workers face when organizing–such as in Alabama, where efforts failed in 2021.
The heart of the issue, according to Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, is “Amazon's relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment and democracy.”
Hoffman points to Amazon spending “…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.”
In response to the planned actions, Amazon has defended its treatment of employees. Spokesperson Eileen Hards emphasized the company's pride in offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a safe work environment.
Despite the criticism, Amazon maintains that it is attentive to feedback and continually seeks improvement. “These groups represent a variety of interests, and while we're always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams,” stated Hards.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year that labor groups have targeted Amazon on Black Friday. Previous protests have been marked as workers even gathering outside Jeff Bezos' penthouse in New York City's Flatiron district.
What are your thoughts on the Amazon workers' strike? Do you believe that such actions can lead to meaningful change? Have you ever participated in or supported a labor movement? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
This period, known for its shopping frenzy, is when consumers traditionally splurge on holiday gifts. However, this year, it’s also a time for workers to come together to protest for this reason you’re about to find out.
In an unprecedented display of global solidarity, Amazon workers from over 20 countries, including powerhouses like the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Japan, and the U.K., are banding together to strike and protest from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, from November 29 until December 2.
The labor action is being orchestrated by UNI Global Union, a Switzerland-based labor group, and Progressive International, a grassroots political organization.
They have called upon thousands of workers to make their voices heard. In Germany alone, cities like Koblenz and Leipzig are expected to see significant strike activity.
Amazon workers in more than 20 countries plan strikes and protests to coincide with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Image source: Zarah Sultana MP via Facebook.
The groups are aiming to protest on one of the biggest shopping weekends to raise the most awareness about Amazon’s alleged “anti-worker and anti-democratic practices.
However, this isn't the first time Amazon has faced labor unrest. In the U.S., there have been attempts to unionize, with varying degrees of success.
Notably, in 2022, an Amazon facility in New York City's Staten Island achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first company warehouse to vote for union representation. However, other unionization efforts have stumbled, highlighting the challenges workers face when organizing–such as in Alabama, where efforts failed in 2021.
The heart of the issue, according to Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, is “Amazon's relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment and democracy.”
Hoffman points to Amazon spending “…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.”
In response to the planned actions, Amazon has defended its treatment of employees. Spokesperson Eileen Hards emphasized the company's pride in offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a safe work environment.
Despite the criticism, Amazon maintains that it is attentive to feedback and continually seeks improvement. “These groups represent a variety of interests, and while we're always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams,” stated Hards.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year that labor groups have targeted Amazon on Black Friday. Previous protests have been marked as workers even gathering outside Jeff Bezos' penthouse in New York City's Flatiron district.
What are your thoughts on the Amazon workers' strike? Do you believe that such actions can lead to meaningful change? Have you ever participated in or supported a labor movement? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
