2024 Teamsters Amazon Strike
On December 19, 2024, Teamsters declared a strike against Amazon.[1] Teamsters claims it is the largest[clarification needed] strike in history,[2] with seven thousand workers[3] across four states: California, Georgia, Illinois, and New York.[2]
Amazon claims the strike will not impact holiday deliveries and that Teamsters does not represent any Amazon employees,[2] though the National Labor Relations Board has certified it. Amazon is appealing that ruling.[1]
Amazon claimed that the strike was an attempt to intimidate Amazon employees.[2]
Background
[edit]Teamsters claimed that Amazon ignored their December 15 negotiating deadline.[1] "We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it," said Teamsters President Sean O'Brien. Amazon denied this claim.[2]
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel claimed that Teamsters is attempting "to push a false narrative" that they represent thousands of Amazon workers. She claimed that Teamsters tried to threaten and coerce Amazon and third-party drivers into joining Teamsters, and that that "is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union."[2]
Third-party drivers
[edit]Amazon contracts with third-party agencies who employ drivers. These drivers consider themselves Amazon workers, as they are required to wear Amazon uniforms, drive Amazons trucks, and have their routes and packages controlled by Amazon. Amazon does not consider them Amazon employees.[2]
Teamsters argues that they have joint employers under a National Labor Relations Board rule.[3]
One driver claimed that "these third party contractors don’t exist without Amazon," and were simply an attempt by Amazon to shed negotiating responsibility.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c News, A. B. C. "Teamsters say 'momentum continues' as Christmastime strike against Amazon enters 2nd day". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b c d e f g "Teamsters announce strike against Amazon amid holiday delivery rush". NBC News. 2024-12-20. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- ^ a b c Isidore, Chris (2024-12-19). "Thousands of Amazon drivers have gone on strike in the thick of the holiday package season | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved 2024-12-20.