Title: Michigan Amazon Workers Join National Strike Against E-commerce Giant during Amazon Prime Week
Subtitle: Employees in Pontiac Demand Fair Treatment and Safer Working Conditions
Date: [Current Date]
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Michigan Amazon workers have joined a nationwide strike in protest against the e-commerce giant’s treatment of employees and unsafe working conditions during its Amazon Prime week of sales. The strike, which took place on Friday, July 14, brought together workers from the Amazon delivery station in Pontiac along with eight other warehouses across the country.
The timing of the strike coincided with Amazon Prime Day, the company’s annual exclusive sale for its members. This year’s Prime Day was extended to a two-day event, taking place from July 11-12, with some deals continuing until July 15. Early data suggests that this year’s Prime Day sale could be the most profitable yet, with consumers spending a record-breaking $12.7 billion during the sale, marking a 6.1% increase from the previous year, according to Adobe Analytics. Amazon reported that July 11 was the largest sales day in the company’s history, although specific figures were not disclosed.
Between 50 to 100 Michigan workers walked out in solidarity with drivers and dispatchers in Palmdale, California, who initiated the strike on June 24. Notably, the Pontiac workers are not formally unionized, but approximately 40 Teamsters from other sectors joined the picket line to offer support.
Michigan workers are alleging unfair labor practices and an unsafe work environment as the basis for the strike, according to a press release from the Teamsters. Alicia Ozier, a warehouse worker at the Pontiac delivery station, expressed her concerns, stating, “Amazon puts productivity first and our safety second. I’ve been injured when a box fell on my eye. The pay is too low to cover my bills.”
The workers delivered a petition to Amazon management in October 2022, outlining their demands for improved working conditions. However, Amazon responded by revoking a previous peak-season pay increase. Workers have also reported sustaining injuries from heavy packages and constantly moving conveyor belts.
Complaints have also been made about Amazon’s punctuality policies, which deduct an entire hour of earned unpaid time off if workers arrive even a few minutes late for their shifts. In response, the workers marched on management, wearing buttons demanding improvements.
The Amazon Labor Union, an independent grassroots organization, formed in Staten Island in April 2022; however, it has faced challenges in gaining traction. Some other Amazon workers, such as those in Palmdale, have joined Teamster unions instead.
Amazon spokesperson, Lisa Levandowski, responded to the strike, stating, “We certainly respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest, but our focus remains on ensuring our employees and partners delivering for customers are safe and able to work freely.” Levandowski added that less than one percent of the employees at the facilities participated in the protest and anticipated no significant impact on operations.
Nicolas White, a warehouse worker at the Pontiac facility, acknowledged that some improvements had been made in recent months but emphasized that more needed to be done by Amazon to address the ongoing concerns.
Michigan workers joined the strike in solidarity with employees in California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, all of whom are facing similar challenges. White stated, “Across the country, Amazon workers are dealing with a lot of the same problems, from low pay to dangerous working conditions. We are fighting back.”
The strike in Pontiac highlights the growing national movement among Amazon workers demanding fair treatment, safer workplaces, and improved labor practices. As the e-commerce giant continues to enjoy unprecedented profits, the rallying workers are determined to champion their rights and achieve equitable treatment.