The globe's leading e-commerce giant, Amazon, is bracing for a wave of employee protests set to disrupt operations during the year's most lucrative shopping period.
The strikes, orchestrated by international labor organization UNI Global Union and political coalition Progressive International, are expected to span over 20 countries, as reported by ABC News.
According to Gateway Pundit, the protests are timed to coincide with the shopping frenzy from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, marking the commencement of the holiday shopping season. The campaign, dubbed "Make Amazon Pay," is now in its fifth year, as per a UNI Global press release. The initiative involves Amazon workers from various countries including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
The campaign has also set its sights on Amazon's operations in India, criticizing the company's handling of its workforce during a lethal heatwave that swept the country earlier this year. The UNI Global release asserts that the campaign's objective is to hold Amazon accountable for alleged labor exploitation, environmental harm, and perceived threats to democracy.
The timing of the protests is no coincidence, as they are scheduled during a critical period for the e-commerce behemoth, whose founder, Jeff Bezos, is among the wealthiest individuals globally. The holiday shopping season is crucial for any business, but Amazon's vast scale and international presence set it apart. In 2023, Amazon was responsible for a staggering 18% of all Black Friday sales globally, as per ABC's report.
However, the potential impact of these protests remains uncertain. ABC noted that despite last year's "Make Amazon Pay" action, Amazon still reported record profits.
In response to the planned protests, Amazon has accused the union of intentionally spreading misinformation and perpetuating a false narrative. "The fact is at Amazon we provide great pay, great benefits, and great opportunities all from day one," stated Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards, as quoted by ABC. She further highlighted that Amazon has generated over 1.5 million jobs worldwide, offering a modern, safe, and engaging work environment, whether in an office or at one of their operational sites.
While the protests aim to challenge Amazon's practices, the company's robust performance during previous actions suggests it may weather this storm as well. Nonetheless, the recurring nature of these protests underscores the ongoing tension between the e-commerce giant and its global workforce.
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