Amazon Workers Strike During Holiday Rush, Demanding Union Contract Negotiations

Amazon.com workers at seven U.S. facilities staged a walkout early Thursday during the busy holiday shopping season, aiming to pressure the retail giant into contract negotiations. Organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the strike marks the "largest" labor action against Amazon to date, involving workers in cities such as New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco.

Jeff Bezos

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed," said Sean O'Brien, Teamsters' General President. O'Brien criticized the company for ignoring the union’s Dec. 15 deadline to negotiate, saying, "This strike is on them."

Amazon, however, downplayed the strike’s potential impact, stating it does not anticipate disruptions to its operations. A spokesperson accused the union of "intentionally misleading the public" and employing tactics of "threatening, intimidating, and attempting to coerce" employees and third-party drivers to participate.

Unionized facilities represent just 1% of Amazon's hourly workforce. Observers note that Amazon’s extensive network of warehouses and delivery depots, particularly in cities like New York, could help mitigate any strike-related delays.

Amazon’s reluctance to engage with union demands may stem from concerns about encouraging further unionization efforts. The company, which employs over 1.5 million people globally, has emphasized its preference for direct relationships with workers.

Despite the strike, Amazon shares rose slightly in premarket trading, signaling that investors anticipate minimal disruption. Earlier this year, Amazon announced a $2.1 billion investment to raise wages for its U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers, increasing base pay by at least $1.50 to an average of $22 per hour—a 7% hike.

The strike highlights ongoing tensions between the e-commerce giant and organized labor, as workers demand greater recognition and improved conditions amid one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.