Amazon workers and activists are intensifying their fight for better labour conditions. The strikes are planned from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Spearheaded by the “Make Amazon Pay” coalition, this global movement, now in its fifth year, demands justice for what they allege are Amazon’s labour abuses, environmental harm, and anti-democratic practices.
Strikes Across 20 Countries
This year’s protest spans 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, aiming to disrupt the year’s biggest shopping weekend. Organisers, led by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, see the movement as a way to challenge the corporation’s dominance. Varsha Gandikota-Nellutia, Co-General Coordinator of Progressive International, stated, “Amazon is everywhere, but so are we. By uniting across borders, we can prioritise human dignity over Jeff Bezos’ profits.”
Germany is expected to see significant participation, with thousands of workers walking out. The campaign is bolstered by allied unions and rights groups in other countries. This would emphasise collective action as the key to holding Amazon accountable.
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Amazon’s Defence
The grievances are manifold. Workers in Canada, the UK, and Germany accuse Amazon of using intimidation tactics to deter unionisation. In the U.S., the company has challenged the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board, sparking concerns over worker protections. Meanwhile, in Europe, Amazon is accused of underreporting lobbying expenditures and refusing to engage in public hearings, leading the European Parliament to bar the company’s lobbyists.
Despite these claims, Amazon maintains its stance as a fair employer. A spokesperson highlighted the company’s creation of 1.5 million jobs worldwide, boasting “great pay, great benefits, and great opportunities.” Critics, however, argue that these claims mask deeper systemic issues.
“Amazon’s pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment, and democracy,” said Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union. She emphasised the resilience of the workers’ movement despite Amazon’s substantial efforts to quash unionisation.
As the protests gain momentum, they represent a growing challenge to Amazon’s global operations. For many, “Make Amazon Pay” is more than just a campaign—it’s a call for a fairer future where corporate power is checked. The fundamental rights of workers, regardless of the pay are respected. This holiday season, as shoppers flood Amazon’s virtual aisles, the voices of those demanding change are set to grow louder than ever.
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