Workers at two Amazon warehouses in New York City are preparing to strike, citing the company’s illegal refusal to recognize their union and negotiate a contract addressing their low wages. Employees at JFK8 in Staten Island and DBK4 in Queens are spearheading the effort, marking a significant move in the ongoing struggle for labor rights at the tech giant’s facilities.
Union Defiance Against Amazon’s Tactics
The workers are organized under the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), with the support of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). This marks the first time Amazon warehouses in the U.S. have unionized, creating a new wave of labor activism. ALU President Connor Spence expressed confidence in the workers’ resolve, stating, “We have everything it takes to get a contract.” He further condemned Amazon’s tactics, asserting that the company’s attempts to undermine their movement will only make it stronger.
Strikes in Multiple Locations
In addition to the NYC warehouses, workers at DIL7 in Socca, Illinois, are also preparing to strike. Riley Holzworth, a DIL7 worker, emphasized the significance of holding companies like Amazon accountable, saying, “We hold our dollars to account.” The workers are rallying around the idea of fair wages and better working conditions, pushing back against what they call Amazon’s exploitative practices.
Legal Challenges and Union Support
Amazon faces legal challenges regarding its treatment of union efforts, particularly at the JFK8 warehouse. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has provided support to the workers, but the company is accused of using legal tactics to delay contract negotiations. ALU-IBT Local 1 represents 5,500 workers at JFK8, and the union is determined to secure a fair contract despite Amazon’s resistance.
Investigation into Amazon’s Safety Practices
The announcement of the impending strike coincides with a Senate report investigating safety at Amazon facilities. The report has shed light on disturbing safety concerns, including high rates of injuries. Critics argue that Amazon’s internal investigations into these issues are inadequate and often hostile, with the company failing to address worker safety effectively.
For more details, you can read the full article on Engadget.