Employees at two Amazon warehouses in New York City—JFK8 on Staten Island and DBK4 in Queens—are preparing to strike, escalating tensions with the e-commerce giant over union recognition and contract negotiations. The strike, set to begin on December 15, reflects growing frustration among workers over what they describe as Amazon’s refusal to acknowledge their union and engage in meaningful negotiations to address low wages and workplace concerns.
JFK8, the first Amazon warehouse in the United States to unionize under the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), has become a focal point in the broader labor movement. The ALU recently aligned with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), forming ALU-IBT Local 1, representing approximately 5,500 warehouse workers.
“We are ready to fight for a fair contract,” said Connor Spence, president of ALU-IBT Local 1. “Amazon’s attempts to suppress our efforts only strengthen our resolve and the solidarity of our movement.”
At DBK4, one of Amazon’s largest delivery hubs in New York City, workers are also likely to vote in favor of a strike authorization. The planned action aligns with a broader push by Amazon workers across the country, including those at a trailer manufacturing site in Illinois, who are reportedly considering strike actions as well.
Amazon has faced significant legal and public pressure regarding its labor practices. The National Labor Relations Board has certified the JFK8 union but criticized Amazon for using legal challenges to delay contract negotiations. Workers allege the company is leveraging these tactics to stall progress and undermine the union’s influence.
Meanwhile, Amazon has pushed back against the union, accusing the ALU and Teamsters of engaging in coercive and intimidating tactics to force membership. “The Teamsters have actively threatened and coerced Amazon employees and third-party drivers,” an Amazon spokesperson told ABC News. These claims are part of ongoing unfair labor practice charges filed against the union.
The announcement of the strike comes on the heels of a Senate investigation into Amazon’s workplace safety practices, which highlighted high injury rates and other systemic issues. The Senate report criticized Amazon for failing to address safety concerns adequately, further fueling calls for improved labor conditions.
For more details on this developing story, visit Engadget’s report.
