How Amazon strike could delay holiday package deliveries
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Amidst the bustling holiday season, Amazon faces a widespread strike that could disrupt the delivery of holiday packages. Nearly 9,000 workers are picketing, the largest strike in the company’s history.
This move comes at a critical time when Amazon, the nation’s largest e-commerce company, is under pressure to meet the high demand for holiday deliveries.
Why it matters
The timing of the strike, during the peak of the holiday package delivery rush, could put a strain on the company’s operations. However, Amazon has tried to reassure customers that the delivery of holiday packages will not be affected.
The effect could be felt internationally, affecting customers worldwide. Consumers should consider the possibility of delays.
The big picture
The striking workers are demanding the company negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. The Teamsters union has accused Amazon of ignoring a previously set deadline for these negotiations, leading to the current industrial action. The strike targets Amazon distribution centers across the country, which processed an estimated 5.9 billion U.S. delivery orders last year.
What are they saying?
Striking worker Ash’shura Brooks expressed the sentiment fueling the strike, stating, “It’s profit over people.” Brooks highlighted the prolonged struggle with Amazon, emphasizing repeated attempts to engage the company in dialogue.
An industry expert suggested that while the strike might not cause widespread delays, a small percentage of packages could be affected.
“The average person isn’t going to feel anything, but there are some people who might have delayed packages,” Paul Clark, a professor of labor and employment relations at Penn State University, hinting at the possibility of minor disruptions amidst the ongoing industrial action.
