Thousands of Amazon workers across more than 20 countries are set to strike or protest during Black Friday weekend (November 29 – December 2) to demand better treatment from the retail giant. Coordinated by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, the global protests will focus on workers’ rights, tax fairness, and Amazon’s environmental practices. Activists from the UK, US, Germany, India, Brazil, Japan, and other nations are rallying against Amazon’s policies and practices, which they claim prioritize profit over people and the planet.
A Global Call for Fairer Working Conditions
The Make Amazon Pay campaign, backed by over 80 trade unions, anti-poverty organizations, and environmental groups, is calling on Amazon to address several key issues:
- Fair Wages and Workers’ Rights: The campaign demands that Amazon pay fair wages, respect workers’ rights to unionize, and improve often harsh working conditions. Many workers, especially in Amazon’s warehouses, face difficult, low-wage jobs with limited benefits and little job security. In the UK, the GMB union has been vocal about unsafe working conditions and inadequate pay, while unions in Germany, such as Ver.di, are also striking in major cities like Dortmund, Leipzig, and Koblenz.
- Climate Accountability: In addition to labor concerns, the Make Amazon Pay campaign is urging Amazon to take more aggressive action on the climate crisis. Despite claiming to be the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy, Amazon has faced criticism for failing to meet interim targets for its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Since 2019, the company’s carbon emissions have actually increased by 34.5%. The environmental advocacy group Amazon Employees for Climate Justice has been pushing the company for more transparency and immediate action on reducing its emissions.
- Tax Justice: Protesters are also calling on Amazon to pay its fair share of taxes. In the UK, tax justice activists plan to deliver a petition with over 110,000 signatures to Amazon’s UK headquarters, demanding an end to tax breaks that benefit multinational corporations. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Make Amazon Pay protests, which have increasingly focused on Amazon’s tax avoidance practices and its role in exacerbating income inequality.
Black Friday as a Catalyst for Change
The timing of the protests is significant, coinciding with Black Friday—a day when retail sales skyrocket and Amazon’s fulfillment centers see heavy demand. While millions of shoppers benefit from steep discounts, Amazon warehouse workers are under pressure to meet the surge in orders, often with little regard for their well-being. The protests aim to disrupt the company’s operations during one of its busiest times, drawing attention to the exploitation that underpins these profits.
In the UK, union representatives from GMB and other worker rights groups will hold an online rally and a march to 11 Downing Street, urging the UK government to halt corporate tax breaks for Amazon and similar companies. The petition presented in London calls for Amazon to treat its workers with respect and fairness, providing better wages, safer conditions, and the right to unionize.
The Amazon Response
Amazon has defended its practices, claiming it offers competitive pay and benefits, including a starting salary of £28,000 per year in the UK and a four-day workweek. The company also highlights its efforts in renewable energy, asserting that it is on track to meet its renewable energy goals and is the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy. However, critics argue that Amazon’s environmental commitments are insufficient and that its corporate practices do not align with its public claims of sustainability.
Despite Amazon’s assurances, the protests show no sign of abating. Labor leaders, like Christy Hoffman from the UNI Global Union, argue that the company’s actions speak louder than its statements, and that its relentless pursuit of profits has come at the expense of workers, the environment, and democracy itself. The battle for union recognition, especially in key locations like Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, continues to be a central issue.
A Turning Point for Corporate Accountability?
The Make Amazon Pay campaign is part of a broader movement pushing for greater corporate accountability, fair labor practices, and environmental sustainability in the face of mounting global challenges. As Amazon faces increasing pressure from workers, unions, and environmental activists, it will need to reconcile its public commitments with the realities of its operations. Whether the protests of Black Friday 2024 will lead to significant changes remains to be seen, but they are a clear signal that workers around the world are demanding better.
References
- The Guardian (2024, November 25). Amazon workers in 20 countries to strike on Black Friday, demanding better pay, climate action. Link to article.
- UNI Global Union and Progressive International.
- Amazon Employees for Climate Justice.
- GMB Union and Ver.di.
