Amazon Teamsters Picket in California, Extend Largest Amazon Strike in U.S.

https://teamster.org/2024/03/amazon-teamsters-picket-in-california-extend-largest-amazon-strike-in-u-s/

2024.03.13

Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org

(BUENA PARK, California) — Amazon delivery drivers with Teamsters Local 396 in Southern California extended their picket line on Sunday to LAX5 in Buena Park, California. The picket extension is the latest escalation for Amazon Teamsters in their fight for fair treatment since beginning an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in June 2023, leading to the largest Amazon strike in U.S. history.

Since their strike began last year, Amazon Teamsters have picketed at over 32 Amazon warehouses across 10 states, building solidarity among Amazon workers across the country. The picket extensions have been critical opportunities for Amazon Teamsters to meet with workers in other warehouses, learn about their shared struggles for better wages and working conditions, and grow support for the fight to build power for Amazon workers.

“Amazon Teamsters are determined to fight for as long as it takes to get the fair treatment we deserve. With every strike extension, we’re building solidarity with our Amazon brothers and sisters across the country and strengthening our collective voice to hold the company accountable,” said Deion Steppes, an Amazon delivery driver and Teamster from Palmdale. “As more and more workers join our movement, we’re making it clear to Amazon that it cannot get away with its gross mistreatment of workers. Change is coming at Amazon, whether the company wants it or not, and each picket brings us closer to that reality.”

Palmdale-based Amazon delivery drivers organized the first union of Amazon drivers in the country. Although the workers successfully ratified a historic first Teamsters contract, Amazon has refused to recognize and honor the union agreement. Instead, the company terminated the entire unit of newly organized workers and has since continued to engage in dozens of ULPs. Amazon Teamsters are committed to continuing and extending their picket like until the company reinstates their jobs, recognizes their union contract, and engages in collective bargaining with the Teamsters Union to increase pay and improve working conditions.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.