Amazon workers in the US may go on strike during the critical holiday season as the Teamsters union accuses the company of ignoring its demands for contract talks.
- Union Frustration: Workers claim Amazon refused to recognize their union or meet the December 15 negotiation deadline. The strike could impact facilities in Southern California, New York, and Illinois.
- Amazon’s Rebuttal: A spokesperson dismissed the union’s claims, accusing the Teamsters of misleading the public and engaging in illegal coercion.
- Safety Concerns: A Senate investigation led by Bernie Sanders found Amazon’s warehouses had injury rates over 30% higher than the industry average, attributing this to unrealistic work speeds.
- Historical Issues: Despite promises of improvement from founder Jeff Bezos, Amazon has faced years of criticism over unsafe working conditions, exacerbated during the pandemic.
With 800,000 US employees, the company’s handling of this conflict could significantly impact holiday operations and its public image.