Amazon delivery drivers and Starbucks baristas are on strike in several U.S. cities. They aim to pressure the companies to recognize their unions and reach labor contracts. The strikes began on Thursday and Friday, following other recent labor conflicts across the country.
Strikes Focus on First Contracts
Amazon and Starbucks workers are still fighting for their first contracts. Amazon refuses to acknowledge its drivers and warehouse workers, even though the Teamsters union represents them. Starbucks, which resisted unionization, had promised to negotiate a contract by the end of the year.
Why the Strikes Are Happening Now
Strikes during the holiday season help unions gain leverage. The pandemic brought attention to the struggles of frontline workers, leading to more organizing efforts. However, securing contracts has been difficult. Labor expert John Logan believes workers are eager to make progress before President-elect Donald Trump appoints a Republican majority to the National Labor Relations Board, which may be less supportive of unions.
However, Trump has shown some support for labor rights, including appointing a pro-union congresswoman to lead the Department of Labor.
Teamsters Strike at Amazon
The Teamsters union has organized strikes at seven Amazon delivery stations in cities such as Southern California, New York City, and Atlanta. These strikes followed a missed contract negotiation deadline. The union seeks higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions for Amazon workers. Amazon claims these workers are not employees, but the Teamsters argue that they should be classified as such. They wear Amazon uniforms and drive Amazon vans.
In September, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) agreed with the union. It ruled that Amazon drivers are joint employees. Amazon is challenging this decision in court.
Starbucks Strikes and Ongoing Negotiations
Contract negotiations are also ongoing at Starbucks. However, Workers United, the union representing Starbucks employees, claims the company has not met its promise to reach a contract by the end of the year. The union also wants to resolve legal issues, including unfair labor practices filed against both Starbucks and Amazon.
Workers United has criticized Starbucks’ proposed wage increases, calling them insufficient. Starbucks argues it already offers competitive pay and benefits. The strikes, which began in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, could spread to more stores by Christmas Eve.
Expecting More Union Activity
Patricia Campos-Medina, a labor expert, predicts that union activity will increase before Trump takes office. This will allow the public to see his stance on working-class issues.
