The workers’ union aims to ramp up pressure on Amazon by involving Staten Island warehouse employees in ongoing protests initiated by delivery drivers.
The labor campaign at Amazon’s delivery hubs has escalated with workers at the Staten Island warehouse, known as JFK8, starting a protest in the early hours of Saturday morning. This warehouse, with over 5,000 employees, represents the largest group at Amazon seeking representation by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The Teamsters are aiming to pressure Amazon to engage in negotiations with organized drivers and workers.
The protest at JFK8 was supported by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, highlighting the significance of the event. The workers at JFK8 are directly employed by Amazon, giving them a stronger legal position compared to workers hired through contractors. However, maintaining consistent support from warehouse workers has been a challenge for union leaders since the unionization vote in 2022. Despite the lower turnout of workers during the protest, the action signals a stand against Amazon’s treatment of its workforce.
The ongoing labor actions, including walkouts at delivery hubs in various states, have raised concerns about their impact on Amazon’s operations, especially during the busy holiday season. Amazon has stated that the protest at the Staten Island warehouse has not disrupted its operations. The workers at JFK8 formed the Amazon Labor Union when they voted to unionize in 2022. The A.L.U. faced obstacles in securing gains from Amazon, which disputed the election results and has not acknowledged the union.
In June, the A.L.U. joined forces with the Teamsters, granting the new A.L.U. local the exclusive rights to organize Amazon warehouses in New York City within the Teamsters organization. This partnership was supported by financial commitments from the Teamsters, including funds for organizing efforts and a strike fund to bolster the unionization campaign.
The labor unrest at Amazon reflects growing discontent among workers regarding working conditions, wages, and treatment by the company. The involvement of prominent figures like the New York attorney general adds weight to the workers’ demands for fair treatment and representation. As the holiday season approaches, the labor actions at Amazon could impact the company’s operations and reputation, highlighting the importance of addressing workers’ concerns.
Source: The NY Times
