News Distributed by NYC Newswire
Amazon workers at two major New York City facilities—JFK8 in Staten Island and DBK4 in Queens—have overwhelmingly voted to authorize strikes. The decision comes as Amazon refuses to recognize their union or negotiate a contract to address low wages and unsafe working conditions.
Teamsters President Criticizes Amazon
Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the Teamsters, condemned Amazon’s actions, warning the company to negotiate by December 15.
“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” O’Brien said. “We’ve been clear: Amazon has until December 15 to come to the table and bargain for a contract. If these white-collar criminals want to keep breaking the law, they better get ready for a fight.”
Despite organizing efforts at 10 facilities nationwide, Amazon has consistently failed to fulfill its legal obligation to bargain with unionized workers.
JFK8 Makes History
In June, over 5,500 workers at the Staten Island JFK8 fulfillment center made history by affiliating with the Teamsters and forming Amazon Labor Union (ALU)-IBT Local 1. Their strike authorization reflects growing frustration over wages, benefits, and safety concerns.
“Our members are ready to do whatever it takes to get a contract,” said Connor Spence, President of ALU-IBT Local 1. “While Amazon continues to disrespect us by refusing to listen to our concerns, our movement is only growing stronger.”
JFK8 worker James Saccardo highlighted the workers’ basic demands. “We aren’t asking for much. 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.”
Strike Vote at DBK4
Workers at DBK4, Amazon’s largest delivery station in New York City, also voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike.
“Driving for Amazon is tough,” said DBK4 worker Luc Rene. “What’s even tougher is fighting a mega-corporation that constantly breaks the law and games the system. But we won’t give up.”
Vincent Perrone, President of Teamsters Local 804, reinforced the union’s commitment to supporting the workers.
“Amazon Teamsters are ready to strike. They are being left with no other choice,” said Perrone. “These Amazon workers have the full weight of our union supporting them.”
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Deadline
As the December 15 deadline looms, the likelihood of strikes grows, threatening to disrupt Amazon’s operations nationwide. The strike authorization highlights mounting momentum within Amazon’s workforce, as more workers organize with the Teamsters to demand change.
With its history of resisting union efforts, Amazon now faces intensified pressure from workers determined to fight for fair treatment and safer working conditions.
News Distributed by NYC Newswire
Good luck to you all. Navigating the streets and highways in N.Y and elsewhere is hard enough. Not to mention dealing with crazy drivers and people, you all deserve medals for that alone. Asking for decent and deserved pay, adequate insurance in case of illness is a small request considering what you do and how much money Amazon makes because of your hard work. Good luck and God bless.