Why are Amazon workers in 20 countries planning Black Friday protests?

(Originally posted on : Invezz )

Thousands of Amazon workers across more than 20 countries are set to protest and strike on Black Friday, demanding improved workers’ rights and stronger climate action from the US retail giant.

Workers and union representatives plan to protest the e-commerce giant’s practices during Black Friday through Cyber Monday (29 November to 2 December), one of the year’s busiest shopping weekends.

Their demands center on fair wages, improved workers’ rights, and environmental accountability from the retail giant.

The protests, coordinated by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, include unions and groups from the UK, US, Germany, Turkey, and beyond, according to The Guardian.

Global action led by unions and activists

The Make Amazon Pay campaign is spearheaded by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, comprising over 80 trade unions and activist groups.

Their demands include fair worker compensation, the right to unionize, and meaningful environmental commitments.

In Germany, the union Ver.di has mobilized thousands of workers to strike at major warehouses, including Dortmund and Leipzig.

In France, the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Citizens’ Action (ATTAC) will hold demonstrations for tax fairness in multiple cities.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, stated: “Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment, and democracy.

These global protests reflect workers’ unwavering demand for justice.”

UK activists target tax breaks and worker conditions

In London, protesters will gather at Amazon’s UK headquarters on Bishopsgate.

Activists, including Tax Justice UK, plan to deliver a petition with over 110,000 signatures to the government, urging an end to tax breaks for Amazon and other large corporations.

The UK-based GMB union will hold an online rally for Amazon workers, echoing demands for better pay and safer working conditions.

Amanda Gearing, a senior organizer at GMB, said: “Amazon represents everything that is broken about our economy – insecure work, poverty wages, and unsafe conditions.”

This year’s protests follow 2022 actions when strikers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse were joined by trade unionists from Germany, Italy, and California.

Amazon defends its policies amidst criticism

Amazon has countered the claims by highlighting its efforts in renewable energy, employee compensation, and workplace safety.

A company spokesperson stated: “We’re proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams.”

Amazon claims to be the largest purchaser of renewable energy globally, with its 2022 electricity usage matched entirely by renewable sources. In the UK, the company says starting pay is at least £28,000 annually for four-day week shifts.

However, critics argue that Amazon’s actions fall short of its environmental and worker welfare goals.

Amazon Employees for Climate Justice noted that the company lacks interim targets for its net-zero emissions goal by 2040, with carbon emissions rising by 34.5% since 2019.

Union recognition battle continues

At Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, a vote for union recognition narrowly failed earlier this year.

Despite this setback, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) vowed to continue the fight.

As Black Friday approaches, the global protests underscore growing resistance to Amazon’s business practices.

Workers and activists are determined to press for long-term reforms that ensure fair treatment, equitable taxation, and a sustainable future.

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