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After a deadline for a labor agreement set by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters was ignored by Amazon, workers at seven U.S. facilities went on strike on December 19, during the busy holiday shopping season. The strike began at an Amazon warehouse in San Francisco and expanded to delivery stations in Southern California, Skokie, Illinois; Atlanta; and New York City.
Amazon officials stated that they do not expect the strike to impact their operations. However, according to the Teamsters, employees at other locations are prepared to join what is being described as the most extensive walkout against Amazon in U.S. history. By late December 20, the strike had reached a major distribution center on Staten Island.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien commented on the situation: “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed... This strike is on them.”
The Teamsters union has a long history dating back to 1903 and represents 1.3 million members today. They characterize themselves as champions of freight drivers and warehouse workers.
Amazon is currently valued at over $2 trillion and reported nearly $575 billion in worldwide net sales revenue for 2023. The company's U.S. sector generated over $356 billion in sales last year.
Clayton Sinyai from the Catholic Labor Network criticized Amazon's practices: “Amazon has brought convenience for many consumers but has undermined wages and working conditions.” He emphasized support for workers demanding fair wages and better conditions.
The Teamsters reported that nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have joined their ranks to push for higher wages, better benefits, and safer work environments.
Joseph McCartin from Georgetown University noted this event as significant due to its scale across multiple facilities: “It’s been brewing for a long time.”
Catholic social teaching supports unionization rights and striking if necessary. Pope Francis stated there are no free workers without trade unions.
Father Sinclair Oubre sees potential parallels between this strike and past labor actions such as those by port workers earlier this year.
Daniel Kling from Belmont Abbey College remarked that strikers face financial challenges due to hourly pay despite having leverage over Amazon during holidays.
Amazon claims average pay exceeds $22 per hour with total compensation reaching over $29 per hour when including benefits; however, some employees like Gabriel Irizarry find it difficult to make ends meet under current economic conditions.
John Trumpbour from Harvard University highlighted issues with contracted labor affecting worker well-being: "Many large employers have turned to franchised and contracted labor."
Father Oubre reiterated church support for collective bargaining while acknowledging invisible workers' contributions often go unrecognized: “This is some flexing of muscles — maybe it will be a wake-up call.”
