Amazon Workers in 20 Countries Plan Black Friday Strikes and Protests

Thousands of Amazon workers are set to stage protests and strikes in over 20 countries during the Black Friday shopping weekend, one of the company’s busiest periods. The actions, organized by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, aim to press Amazon to improve working conditions, respect union rights, pay fair taxes, and take meaningful steps to address its environmental impact.

The demonstrations will span major cities in the U.S., UK, Germany, Canada, Brazil, India, Japan, Turkey, and other nations, running from Black Friday (November 29) through Cyber Monday (December 2). The campaign is led by the Swiss-based UNI Global Union and Progressive International, a coalition of over 80 unions, anti-poverty groups, and environmental activists.

“Amazon’s relentless pursuit of profit comes at a cost to workers, the environment, and democracy,” said Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union. “We stand united in demanding that Amazon treat its workers fairly and respect fundamental rights.”

Protests and Strikes Planned in Key Markets

• United Kingdom: Activists will deliver a petition with over 110,000 signatures to Amazon’s UK headquarters in London, urging the government to eliminate tax breaks for large corporations like Amazon. The petition delivery will be followed by a march to 11 Downing Street. The GMB union also plans an online rally for Amazon workers.
• Germany: Members of the Ver.di union will strike at warehouses in Dortmund, Leipzig, Koblenz, Graben, and other cities, demanding better working conditions and union recognition.
• France: The tax fairness group ATTAC will hold protests in multiple cities, continuing its five-year campaign against Amazon.
• United States: Strikes and protests are expected at key facilities, with workers pressing for fair wages and improved safety standards.

Amanda Gearing, senior organizer at the UK’s GMB union, criticized Amazon for perpetuating “insecure work, poverty wages, and often unsafe working conditions.” She emphasized that workers remain determined to push for justice and union recognition, particularly after a narrow vote against union recognition at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse in July.

The campaign group Amazon Employees for Climate Justice also called out Amazon for its lack of interim targets toward its net-zero emissions goal by 2040. Despite claiming to be the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy, Amazon has faced scrutiny as its annual carbon emissions have risen by 34.5% since 2019.

An Amazon spokesperson defended the company, stating: “We’re always listening and looking at ways to improve. We remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams.” The company highlighted its minimum starting pay of £28,000 annually in the UK and its leadership in renewable energy initiatives.

However, critics argue that Amazon’s efforts fall short of addressing systemic issues, with activists demanding more transparency and accountability.