Amazon workers strike globally on Black Friday

Amazon employees worldwide have taken to the streets this Black Friday, marking the fifth consecutive year of protests under the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign. Organised by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, the demonstrations highlight concerns over labour practices, environmental harm, and alleged threats to democracy. The strikes began on Black Friday, November 29, and are set to continue through December 2.

✊🏿#MakeAmazonPay Day begins! Amazon workers in Jantar Mantar, Delhi 🇮🇳 rally to demand minimum pay, decent working conditions & recognition of Amazon workers union @AiwaInd pic.twitter.com/rBUKd7DV9Z

— UNI Global Union (@uniglobalunion) November 29, 2024

Workers from over 20 countries, including the US, Germany, India, and Australia, demand higher wages, improved working conditions, and the right to unionise. These protests also aim to draw attention to Amazon’s immense global influence, with the company valued at around US$2.2 trillion.

#MakeAmazonPay sagen diese Woche Gewerkschaftsaktive aus weltweit mehr als 20 Ländern zum #BlackFriday der auf dem Rücken der Arbeiter:innen ausgetragen wird. #Solidarität gibt es dafür auch von den starken @_verdi Vertrauensleuten aus dem Hamburger Hafen der @HHLA_Group 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽🚩 pic.twitter.com/O8MptYXrdh

— ver.di Amazon Niedersachsen-Bremen (@verdiAmazon_NDS) November 29, 2024

Strikes span continents

In Germany, thousands of workers across multiple cities have joined the protests, while in New Delhi, India, hundreds have gathered to criticise the company’s handling of a severe heatwave earlier this year. Reports indicate that employees suffered heat strokes, with some fainting during work. In response, Amazon issued a statement claiming compliance with Indian law and emphasising the importance of worker safety and well-being.

✊🏿#MakeAmazonPay Day begins! Amazon workers in Jantar Mantar, Delhi 🇮🇳 rally to demand minimum pay, decent working conditions & recognition of Amazon workers union @AiwaInd pic.twitter.com/rBUKd7DV9Z

— UNI Global Union (@uniglobalunion) November 29, 2024

Elsewhere, garment workers in Bangladesh have joined the movement, while protests are planned across France, led by the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Citizen’s Action. These widespread actions are expected to disrupt Amazon’s operations during the busy holiday shopping period. ABC News reports that the strikes could delay deliveries—a disruption the protesters argue is necessary to spotlight the issues.

Holding Amazon accountable

The “Make Amazon Pay” campaign has grown steadily since its launch in 2020. This year, more than 30 unions, environmental organisations, and civil society groups have lent their support. According to Christy Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global Union, “Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment, and democracy. We stand united in demanding that Amazon treat its workers fairly, respect fundamental rights, and stop undermining the systems meant to protect us all.”

Amazon, however, dismisses these claims, accusing organisers of spreading a “false narrative.” The company highlighted its contributions, including creating over 1.5 million jobs globally and investing US$300 million in workplace safety improvements in 2022.

While billionaire Bezos tours the world on his $500m yacht, Amazon workers in 20+ countries are rising up this Black Friday to demand fair wages, union rights & climate action. Amazon must pay its fair share & respect workers. I stand with #MakeAmazonPay https://t.co/NmX1Sc1F66

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 27, 2024

Despite these assertions, reports paint a grim picture. Data from 2022 reveals that Amazon accounted for more than half of all severe warehouse injuries in the US, raising questions about the effectiveness of its safety measures.

Balancing profit and worker welfare

Amazon recently pledged US$2.2 billion to increase pay for fulfilment and transportation workers in the US, a move welcomed by some but criticised by others as insufficient. Critics point out that this represents only a fraction of the company’s US$10 billion investment in AI-focused initiatives like Anthropic.

Amazon has invested a total of $8 billion in Anthropic. https://t.co/k2vM7Ozbc2

— Observer (@observer) November 22, 2024

As Amazon dominates the holiday shopping season, with nearly 20% of worldwide Black Friday transactions and over US$170 billion in holiday sales last year, the “Make Amazon Pay” movement seeks to pressure the tech giant into adopting more ethical and sustainable practices.

The coming days will reveal whether these coordinated global protests make a lasting impact, but for now, the message is clear: Amazon must do more to balance profit with responsibility.