Teamsters Prolong Biggest US Strike Against Amazon
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- Amazon delivery drivers are protesting low wages and dangerous working conditions.
- The workers have engaged with the Teamsters union and have extended their strike to over 32 Amazon warehouses in 10 states.
- The strike will continue until the company acknowledges the workers' union, reinstates union workers and commits to collective bargaining to improve wages and working conditions.
Amazon Delivery Drivers on Strike for Better Wages, Safer Working Conditions
Amazon delivery drivers, supported by Teamsters Local 396, intensify their Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike against Amazon by picketing at the DAX5 warehouse in City of Industry, Southern California. This action is part of the largest and longest-running strike against Amazon in the U.S., occurring on the cusp of the first anniversary of the drivers' decision to unionize with Local 396.
Michael Leib, an Amazon Teamsters delivery driver, proclaims, "We will strike until Amazon's worker exploitation ends. We're fighting for our families, our communities, and our Amazon peers. We're not backing down."
After aligning with the Teamsters in April 2023, the drivers negotiated a pioneering contract with Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP), Battle-Tested Strategies (BTS). Despite having total control over the DSP's wages, working conditions, and safety standards, Amazon refused to recognize the workers' ratified union contract, leading to numerous violations of federal labor law.
Deion Steppes, another Amazon Teamsters driver, stated, "All we want is to get back to work, for fair wages, and to provide for our families. Amazon, with its billions in yearly profits, can afford better pay and safer working conditions."
The Teamsters' picket has now extended to more than 32 Amazon warehouses across 10 states, uniting Amazon workers nationwide. The extensions have been crucial in expanding the strike campaign, discussing workplace challenges, and addressing concerns over extreme working conditions, particularly heat.
The Teamsters vouch to further expand picket lines until Amazon reinstates union workers, acknowledges the Local 396 contract, and commits to collective bargaining to improve wages and working conditions.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional information, visit Teamster.org and follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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