Pressure Builds for Amazon on Second Day of National Strike
EDISON, NJ — On Thursday, December 19th, Teamsters across the nation launched the largest strike against Amazon in the company’s history. The strike is in response to Amazon’s alleged refusal to bargain a union contract and obey labor laws.
Locally, the strike is impacting Amazon’s operations on Route 27, where workers are picketing and demanding fair treatment. This location is one of hundreds of facilities across the country where Teamsters are making their voices heard.
Raj Patel, a local business owner, took a stand for the striking Amazon workers on Route 27 by delivering coffee and donuts to the picket line. Patel expressed his frustration with Amazon, stating “they’ve been a horrible neighbor to Edison residents.” He cited issues like Amazon delivery trucks ignoring traffic rules, creating excessive noise, and generally disrupting the peace in surrounding neighborhoods. “They’re not a good to their employees either,” Patel added, emphasizing his support for the workers’ demands for better treatment.
“It’s time for the township to wake up and see Amazon for what they are: a bad neighbor and a worse employer,” Patel declared. “They need to stop catering to this corporate giant and taking their money. It’s not worth the disruption and the poor treatment of our community members.”
The striking workers are seeking improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. They cite concerns about low pay, inadequate healthcare, and unsafe working environments. The strike is taking place during the peak of the holiday season, potentially disrupting Amazon’s ability to deliver packages and putting significant pressure on the company.
“After getting pushed around for so long, we are finally bringing the fight to Amazon,” said Daisy Grajeda, a driver at DAX5. “It has been amazing to come out on the picket line and see the power we have when we stand together — and we are just getting started.”
“These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them.”
The strike is expected to continue until Amazon addresses the workers’ concerns. The outcome of this labor dispute could have significant implications for Amazon and its employees nationwide
