By: Amazon Labor Union
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) recognized its second no-contract anniversary, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for fair labor practices within Amazon’s workforce. Amidst the commemoration, ALU President Chris Smalls called for a good faith meeting with Jeff Bezos and Amazon executive leaders to discuss warehouse worker contracts.
As the largest e-commerce company in the United States, Amazon directly employs over one million people, with many in warehouse roles crucial to the company’s operations across more than 100 fulfillment centers nationwide. Despite their essential contributions, many Amazon workers face significant disparities in compensation and continue to toil under hazardous conditions.
“If Amazon sees the benefit of reinvesting in its workforce, an emerging middle class is upon us,” remarked ALU President Chris Smalls. “With Amazon continuing to profit from a healthy, skilled workforce, our workers can build thriving families in emerging communities that reinvest into America. This scenario presents a win-win opportunity for all involved.”
ALU leadership emphasized the importance of productive communication with Jeff Bezos and Amazon’s executive leadership, highlighting the need for collaboration over conflict. “Jeff Bezos and Amazon can take immediate actions to protect warehouse workers,” commented an attorney familiar with the discussions. “All interested parties should come to the table, share ideas, negotiate in good faith, and find middle ground. The hope is Amazon will recognize the value of reinvesting in its most valuable asset—its workers.”
Safety concerns remain at the forefront of ALU’s demands. Recent federal investigations have uncovered unsafe working conditions that have led to serious injuries among Amazon workers. “In some states, warehouse workers face job injury rates almost twice as high as other industries,” stated an ALU job safety organizer.
“This is not merely a conversation about equitable pay; we are also raising significant safety concerns,” noted ALU President Smalls. Citing a 2024 study in New York, he revealed that one in ten workers at the Clay facility, one of the world’s largest warehouses, suffer on-the-job injuries. The Clay warehouse was ranked second on a list of the most dangerous large Amazon warehouses in New York in 2022.
“Amazon is America’s second-largest employer with 200 million customers in the United States. Jeff Bezos and Amazon’s executive leadership and ALU have to put our differences aside and find middle ground. It is in the best interest of Amazon, its workforce and their families, surrounding communities, the shareholders, vendors, and customers. It is good for America.”
In celebration of ALU’s second anniversary without a contract since its establishment in 2021, the Amazon Labor Union will host a rally in mid-May to commemorate ALU’s union recognition, honor the dedication of workers, and call for good faith negotiations with Amazon. With a focus on recognizing workers’ contributions and fostering solidarity, the rally will call on Amazon to commit to reinvesting in its workforce across the country. ALU’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and fair labor practices underscores the importance of collective action in creating positive change within the workforce.
About Amazon Labor Union
Founded in 2021, the Amazon Labor Union is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Amazon employees across the United States. The union works tirelessly to ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable employment practices that benefit both the workforce and the communities they live in.
For more information about the Amazon Labor Union and their activities, contact Regina Gelin at 917-355-4539 or email reginagelin@blaconsultants.com.
Published by: Khy Talara
