Amazon Teamsters Voted To Authorize A Holiday Season Strike

The votes comes after Amazon refused to recognize the legally-created union.

By Kara Deniz, Teamsters

Amazon Teamsters at two New York City facilities—JFK8 and DBK4—have voted overwhelmingly to authorize strikes following Amazon’s illegal refusal to recognize their union and negotiate a contract addressing the company’s low wages and dangerous working conditions.

“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “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.”

Amazon workers at 10 facilities around the country have organized with the Teamsters. Amazon has repeatedly failed in its legal obligation to bargain with its unionized workforce.

This June, over 5,500 workers at the Staten Island JFK8 facility made history when they affiliated with the Teamsters and chartered Amazon Labor Union (ALU)-IBT Local 1. They authorized a strike as part of their fight for fair wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.

“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.”