Summary
Amazon workers at its first unionized warehouse in Staten Island, NY, have authorized a strike, accusing the company of refusing to recognize their union or negotiate a contract nearly three years after their union victory.
Represented by the Teamsters, 5,500 workers demand contract negotiations by Sunday, warning of a potential work stoppage.
Amazon, which has appealed the union certification, claims the Teamsters have coerced workers, accusations the union denies.
Workers seek $30/hour minimum pay and stronger safety protections.
A second Amazon facility in Queens has also authorized a strike.
If Amazon won’t recognize the union then this is the natural next step. The whole country will be watching this. If the union wins, that’ll be huge ✊
If the government supports the workers, we might survive. If they stay silent, it’s guaranteed Trump will come in and try to squash unions.