In a time when some businesses are urging their employees to return to the office full-time, Liz Bentley Associates President and founder Liz Bentley delves into the benefits of remote work. Meanwhile, thousands of Amazon workers organized under the Teamsters union have taken a significant step by going on strike. This strike, which involves seven facilities in various locations such as Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California, is being hailed as the largest against the trillion-dollar company in American history. Though the Teamsters claim to represent about 10,000 people across ten Amazon facilities in the U.S., the company does not recognize this affiliation.

Amazon's Stance on the Union

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that the Teamsters union is "intentionally [misleading] the public" as they do not represent Amazon employees and drivers. Nantel also said the company "does not expect any impact on our operations." However, the Teamsters union argues that warehouse workers and drivers without collective bargaining agreements can legally honor the picket lines by withholding their labor.

Background of the Strike

The strike comes after the Teamsters gave Amazon a December 15 deadline to negotiate new contracts for higher wages, better benefits, and safer work conditions. Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said if holiday packages are delayed, it's Amazon's "insatiable greed" to blame. He emphasized that Amazon had the chance to do right by the workers but instead pushed them to the limit.

Amazon warehouse workers like Gabriel Irizarry in Skokie, Illinois, expressed their dissatisfaction. He said, "Amazon talks a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, they do not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. We can't even afford to pay our bills."

On the other hand, Amazon claims that team members are already offered competitive pay, immediate health benefits, a 401k match, and career growth opportunities. They added that the average base wage was increased to $22 per hour in September.

Union's Actions and Plans

The Teamsters union has launched a new division to help Amazon workers, aiming to "defend workers from unchecked exploitation." Amazon Fulfillment Centers across the country will have primary picket lines set up by local unions, and workers can legally honor them by withholding their labor.

Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco, said, "What we're doing is historic. We are fighting against a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win."

In an X post on Wednesday night, the Teamsters said their Amazon workers are getting "strike ready" to win the contract they deserve after running out of patience with the company.