Teamsters Launch Nationwide Strike Against Amazon Gains Momentum Amid Holiday Season
A cross-country strike by the Teamsters union against Amazon entered its second day on Friday, with union leaders declaring that “momentum continues to mount.” The strike, timed during the critical holiday shopping season, aims to secure better working conditions and compel Amazon to negotiate a labor contract.
The walkout began Thursday, targeting seven Amazon delivery stations across the United States, including locations in Southern California, San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, and Skokie, Illinois. Despite the union’s claims of thousands of workers joining picket lines, Amazon has downplayed the impact, describing the strikers as “almost entirely outsiders.”
A Growing Labor Movement
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents nearly 10,000 Amazon workers at 10 facilities, has framed the strike as the largest in its history against the e-commerce giant. The union accuses Amazon of disregarding a Sunday deadline to begin contract negotiations, despite the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certifying their right to unionize.
“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” said Sean O’Brien, Teamsters General President. He emphasized the strike’s importance during the busiest shopping season, warning customers of potential shipping delays.
Amazon Pushes Back
Amazon, which employs 800,000 warehouse workers in the U.S. and 1.5 million globally, has refused to recognize the union’s authority, filing a lawsuit that questions the constitutionality of the NLRB. The company also denies responsibility for delivery drivers, who are employed by third-party contractors under its Delivery Service Partner program.
“This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” said Kelly Nantel, Amazon’s Director of Global Corporate Issues. She asserted that most employees and drivers continued working despite the strikes and maintained that holiday deliveries remain unaffected.
Arrests and Accusations
Two individuals were arrested at a picket line in Queens, New York, on Thursday. The New York Police Department did not disclose the charges but confirmed that the individuals were released with court summons.
Breaking: After hours of Amazon Teamsters maintaining a strong picket line, cops broke the picket line for Amazon. pic.twitter.com/tO26JEZGdB
— Luis Feliz Leon (@Lfelizleon) December 19, 2024
Amazon has accused the Teamsters of coercing workers into joining the union and relying on external supporters to bolster strike numbers. “The Teamsters were unable to gain sufficient support from employees and brought in outsiders to harass and intimidate our team,” the company stated.
from what I can tell, the NYPD just arrested this driver for trying to join the strike. a cop then got in his vehicle and drove it away pic.twitter.com/EL6eOyasdo
— Alex Press (@alexnpress) December 19, 2024
Drivers Push for Recognition
A core issue in the strike is the employment status of Amazon drivers. While the company insists these drivers are not its employees, the Teamsters argue that Amazon controls their working conditions and should be held accountable as their employer. The NLRB has supported the union’s stance, with labor regulators backing claims that Amazon exercises significant control over drivers’ daily operations.
Amid growing union pressure, Amazon raised driver pay in September but has resisted further concessions.
What’s at Stake
The strike coincides with the busiest retail period of the year, less than a week before Christmas. While Amazon claims minimal disruption to its operations, prolonged strikes could delay deliveries in major metro areas.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” O’Brien said in a statement.
Local unions have extended picketing efforts to hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, amplifying pressure on the company.
A Broader Labor Struggle
The Teamsters’ actions reflect a broader labor movement targeting Amazon, a company with a $2.35 trillion market capitalization. In Staten Island, the JFK8 warehouse voted to unionize in 2022, later affiliating with the Teamsters in 2023. The labor battle at Amazon is part of a wider push for corporate accountability and workers’ rights in the U.S.
As the strike unfolds, Amazon’s legal and public relations battles intensify. With both sides digging in, the outcome could reshape labor relations at one of the world’s most influential companies.
