Amazon Workers Strike Across 20 Countries During Black Friday Weekend

Amazon workers and allies worldwide are launching a major strike during one of the company’s busiest shopping weekends, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.

The protests, organized under the banner “Make Amazon Pay,” aim to hold the retail giant accountable for alleged labor abuses, environmental harm, and impacts on democracy.

Global Protests for Justice

The strike, spearheaded by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, will take place in more than 20 countries, including the United States, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and India.

Workers and activists from over 80 unions and advocacy groups will participate, making it a massive international effort.

Protests are planned in several German cities, such as Leipzig, Koblenz, and Dortmund, where thousands of Amazon employees are expected to demonstrate.

In New Delhi, India, hundreds of workers will march for better treatment, following reports of severe mistreatment during a summer heatwave.

Additionally, cities across France will see protests organized by the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Citizen’s Action, with garment workers in Bangladesh also joining the campaign.

The “Make Amazon Pay” protests coincide with one of Amazon’s most lucrative periods, targeting the shopping frenzy during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Organizers hope to disrupt operations and draw attention to the workers’ demands.

Fifth Annual “Make Amazon Pay” Movement

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the “Make Amazon Pay” movement, which began in 2019. The campaign highlights workers’ grievances, including low wages, unsafe working conditions, and the company’s alleged resistance to unionization.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, criticized Amazon for prioritizing profits over people. “Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to its human workers, the economy, and democracy,” Hoffman said.

UNI and other advocacy groups argue that Amazon has consistently undercut worker rights while engaging in practices that harm the environment.

Workers Fight for Fairness

The demands of the striking workers include increased wages, safer working conditions, and the right to unionize. Union leaders and activists have accused Amazon of suppressing efforts to organize.

“Amazon has spent untold millions to stop workers from organizing, but the strikes and protests happening around the world show that workers’ desire for justice can’t be stopped,” Hoffman added.

Despite these allegations, Amazon maintains that it provides competitive wages, robust benefits, and ample opportunities for advancement.

Amazon’s Defense

In response to the protests, Amazon dismissed the claims as misleading. A company spokesperson, Eileen Hards, told media outlets, “This group is being intentionally misleading and continues to promote a false narrative.”

Amazon highlighted its recent investments in worker wages and benefits. The company stated that it had allocated $2.2 billion to raise wages for U.S. fulfillment and transportation employees, increasing the average base pay to more than $22 per hour.

Amazon claims the average total compensation exceeds $29 per hour when including benefits.

“Amazon provides great pay, benefits, and opportunities — all starting on day one,” the spokesperson added.

The company also emphasized its benefits package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match. Employees also receive up to 20 weeks of paid leave, covering pregnancy-related disability leave and parental leave.

Unionization Efforts Continue

The protests come at a time of growing efforts to unionize Amazon’s workforce. In 2022, workers at a Staten Island warehouse achieved a historic victory by forming the first unionized Amazon facility in the U.S.

However, subsequent unionization attempts in Alabama and New York have faced challenges.

In 2023, nearly 2,000 Amazon employees organized a walkout in response to the company’s mandate for employees to return to the office. Workers in Kentucky accused Amazon of leading a union-busting campaign to discourage organizing.

James Schneider, communications director for Progressive International, highlighted Amazon’s varying practices across regions. “In Sweden, Amazon engages much better with trade unions. But in the U.S., it actively suppresses them,” Schneider said.

Rising Costs Amplify Grievances

The economic landscape has intensified calls for worker action. Inflation, coupled with a rising cost of living, has eroded wages and made financial security more difficult for employees.

The International Labour Organization’s 2022 report indicated that inflation has diminished the value of minimum wages globally. In this context, many workers see collective action as the only path to securing fair treatment and pay.

Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, co-general coordinator of Progressive International, underscored the campaign’s solidarity. “Amazon is everywhere, but so are we. By uniting our movements across borders, we can force Amazon to change its ways and prioritize human dignity over profits,” she said.

Consumer Impact

The strike could cause delays in holiday deliveries, particularly during the high-demand shopping season. Experts warn that this could frustrate customers and increase pressure on Amazon to address the grievances.

Still, workers remain resolute in their mission to “Make Amazon Pay.” From Germany to Brazil, the message is clear: workers are demanding fairness, safety, and respect from one of the world’s largest corporations.