Amazon Teamsters Vote to Strike Over Union Recognition and Wages

The Facts -

  • Amazon workers at JFK8 and DBK4 voted to authorize strikes.
  • Amazon failed to recognize unions and negotiate fair contracts.
  • Teamsters support striking workers for fair wages and conditions.


Amazon Workers in New York Threaten Strike Amid Union Dispute

Amazon Teamsters

Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: Kdeniz@teamster.org

(NEW YORK) – Employees at Amazon’s JFK8 and DBK4 facilities in New York City have voted in favor of authorizing a strike in response to what they claim is Amazon's unlawful refusal to acknowledge their union and negotiate a contract. The core issues at stake include low wages and unsafe working conditions.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed dissatisfaction with Amazon's actions: “Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned.” He emphasized the urgency by stating that Amazon has until December 15 to begin negotiations. “If these white-collar criminals want to keep breaking the law, they better get ready for a fight,” O'Brien added.

This move comes after more than 5,500 workers at the JFK8 facility joined forces with the Teamsters in June, becoming part of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU)-IBT Local 1. The union's objective is to secure fair wages, enhanced benefits, and safer working conditions for its members.

Connor Spence, President of ALU-IBT Local 1, remarked, “Our members are ready to do whatever it takes to get a contract,” highlighting the increasing strength of the union movement as Amazon continues to dismiss worker concerns.

James Saccardo, employed at the JFK8 facility, voiced the workers' demands, stating, “We just want what everyone else in America wants—to do our jobs and get paid enough to take care of ourselves and our families. And Amazon isn’t letting us do that.”

Meanwhile, at DBK4—Amazon’s largest delivery station in New York City—workers nearly unanimously voted to authorize a strike as well. Luc Rene, a worker at DBK4, shared his challenges, saying, “Driving for Amazon is tough. What’s even tougher is fighting a mega-corporation that constantly breaks the law and games the system. But we won’t give up.”

According to Vincent Perrone, President of Local 804, the Amazon Teamsters are prepared for potential strike action, noting, “These Amazon workers have the full weight of our union supporting them.”

As the deadline for negotiations approaches, workers are increasingly prepared for a strike, which could disrupt major operations for Amazon customers across the nation. The momentum among Amazon employees continues to grow as more affiliate with the Teamsters.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further information, visit Teamster.org. Follow them on Twitter @Teamsters or like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

---
Read More USA Works News