Amazon Workers’ Global Black Friday Strike: Why the World’s Largest Retailer is Facing an International Labor Uprising

 

This Black Friday, Amazon workers in 20 countries are taking a stand against the company’s labor practices, launching a massive global strike under the banner of the Make Amazon Pay campaign. The protests, which stretch across cities from London to Berlin, Paris, and beyond, signal growing discontent among Amazon’s workforce, pushing for better wages, union rights, and meaningful action on climate change. This movement is a coordinated effort led by the Swiss-based UNI Global Union and Progressive International, which are rallying workers from all corners of the globe to challenge the tech giant on several critical fronts.

The issue at hand is far from a local dispute. Union leaders argue that Amazon is systematically failing its workers, exposing them to insecure jobs, subpar wages, and unsafe working conditions. Many workers report the pressure of relentless productivity targets, hazardous work environments, and an absence of adequate safety measures. For employees, the demand for better conditions is not just a response to Amazon’s alleged poor treatment, but a stand against a wider system of economic injustices that undermine workers’ rights. The protesters believe that the ongoing abuse reflects a broader pattern seen across the labor market, where corporations exploit workers for profit.

As part of the Black Friday protests, activists in the UK are delivering a petition containing 110,000 signatures, highlighting public dissatisfaction with Amazon’s tax practices. This is particularly relevant as Amazon continues to benefit from generous tax breaks despite its massive global revenue. Critics argue that these tax advantages contribute to inequality, with Amazon reaping billions while leaving essential social services underfunded. The petition calls for the company to pay its fair share of taxes and stop exploiting loopholes that allow it to avoid contributing to the economies it profits from.

The strike isn’t limited to wages and taxes. Workers are also demanding stronger union rights, which have long been a contentious issue for Amazon. Many employees have voiced frustration over the company’s aggressive efforts to prevent unionization, often using tactics to intimidate workers who attempt to organize. The GMB union, for instance, has organized an online rally to bring attention to the struggle for worker representation within Amazon’s sprawling workforce. The lack of union representation, workers argue, prevents them from having a meaningful say in decisions that directly affect their lives and working conditions.

Amazon’s response to these allegations has been to assert that it offers competitive salaries and benefits. In the UK, Amazon claims that starting salaries are £28,000 per year, alongside a claim to be the world’s largest buyer of renewable energy. However, Amazon Employees for Climate Justice points to the company’s lack of progress toward its net-zero carbon target by 2040. While Amazon claims to be an environmental leader, critics argue that it has made little headway in reducing its carbon footprint, with carbon emissions actually rising by 34.5% since 2019.

The scale of this global strike underscores the growing tension between Amazon and its workforce. Workers worldwide are united not just by a demand for fair wages but also by a call for the company to take responsibility for its environmental impact. The Black Friday strikes are a powerful reminder that consumers, workers, and activists are all watching the actions of corporations like Amazon, demanding that they take accountability for their labor practices and environmental commitments. As the protests unfold, the question remains: will Amazon heed the call for change, or will this strike become a symbol of a much-needed shift in the way multinational companies treat their workers and the planet?