Workers at seven Amazon facilities launched a strike Thursday, marking what the Teamsters union calls the largest labor action against the e-commerce giant in U.S. history. The walkout comes after Amazon reportedly missed a union-set deadline for contract negotiations.
The strike spans multiple states, affecting one warehouse in San Francisco and six delivery stations across California, New York, Georgia, and Illinois. The Teamsters union, which claims to represent nearly 10,000 workers across 10 Amazon facilities, organized the action during a critical shopping period to maximize pressure on the company.
At the center of the dispute is Amazon's stance on worker classification and union recognition. While the Teamsters have organized delivery drivers for over a year, Amazon maintains these workers are employed by third-party Delivery Service Partners rather than directly by Amazon. The union counters that Amazon exercises substantial control over driver operations and should be considered their employer.
"Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned," stated Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel disputed the union's claims, stating the Teamsters are "intentionally misleading the public" about their representation of Amazon workers. The company expects no disruption to its operations despite the strike.
The labor action highlights ongoing tensions at Amazon's Staten Island warehouse, where workers voted to join the Amazon Labor Union in 2022 and later affiliated with the Teamsters. Amazon has challenged this union victory, filing a lawsuit questioning the National Labor Relations Board's constitutionality.
While the striking workers represent a small fraction of Amazon's 1.5 million warehouse and corporate employees, the action reflects growing labor organizing efforts in the e-commerce sector. In September, amid mounting pressure, Amazon increased pay for delivery drivers, though tensions over worker rights and representation persist.