Unions from various regions around the world, technology workers, human rights and environmental organizations are gearing up for joint strikes and demonstrations against Amazon during the Black FridayCyber Monday period. As part of the 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign, now in its sixth year, protests will be staged simultaneously in over 30 countries.
Source: EuroNews
The campaign accuses Amazon of exacerbating inequality, curtailing workers' rights, gaining political influence by financing Trump's inauguration, and causing environmental harm. The organizers point out that Amazon's impact is no longer confined to retail; it now encompasses logistics, cloud computing, police and border security technologies, as well as political lobbying activities. Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, stated, 'For years, Amazon has been suppressing democratic rights in the workplace. Its model deepens inequality and undermines workers' rights to organize, collectively bargain, and demand safe working conditions.'
According to a report by Euronews, David Adler from Progressive International accused Amazon of being part of a new authoritarian order on a global scale:
'From ICE raids to the oppression in Palestine, Amazon's technologies are deeply ingrained in global systems of violence. However, the Make Amazon Pay campaign demonstrates that we have the ability to stand against this power.'
Many workers in the field are expressing that they are on the brink due to increasing pressure for productivity and harsh working conditions. Neha Singh, who works in the city of Manesar in India, described the warehouse as being 'like an oven' during the summer months:
'People are fainting, but the targets never stop. Even if we faint, we're not allowed to take a break. If we take three days off, we're fired. Amazon views us as disposable.'
Environmental organizations, on the other hand, are drawing attention to the fact that Amazon's political power is now threatening not only its employees, but also the planet. Sanna Ghotbi from Greenpeace International stated, 'Jeff Bezos's Amazon is the most tangible example of Big Tech's destructive impact on society and the environment. By forming close relationships with oppressive regimes, it is nourishing authoritarian structures.'
The campaign contends that Amazon has become a powerful player in the global economy and politics, exerting influence in various areas, from financing Trump's inauguration to reaping benefits through tax cuts. According to the company's latest financial report, it paid $1.4 billion less in taxes compared to the same period last year. The organizers point out that Amazon's investments in automation and artificial intelligence pose a threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs, while their data centers inflict environmental damage due to high energy and water consumption. The fundamental demand of the campaign is clear: 'Fair wages for workers, fair taxes for the state, and compensation for the damage inflicted on the planet.'
This year's actions are set to span across virtually every point of Amazon's global operations:
In Germany, warehouse workers will go on strike under the leadership of the 'ver.di' union.
In the U.S., activists will protest Amazon's surveillance technology collaboration with ICE.
Various demonstrations will be organized in Denmark, Spain, Greece, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Luxembourg across Europe.
Protests will take place in Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Nepal, and Palestine in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
In Latin America and Africa, Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa will take to the field.
Moreover, the organizers are also planning digital campaigns, light reflection actions, and online solidarity events.