Amazon Labor Union

Amazon Labor Union logo with three fists coming out of a box

Under the IWW banner “an injury to one is an injury to all…” an independent group of current and former workers led by Christian Smalls organized Amazon’s JFK8 Fulfilment Center on Staten Island, the first of any Amazon warehouse to vote to unionize. 

Relying heavily on developing personal relationships with the workers, or associates, through events such as BBQs, meeting people at the bus station on their commute to work, and heavy use of social media among other tactics, the group generated solidarity among the workers with a straightforward message: “Our demands are simple: Better pay, better benefits, and better working conditions.” 

Even after winning their initial election in April of 2022, however,  Amazon initially refused to recognize the union and stalled negotiations for a contract, and continues to face numerous complaints about their unfair labor practices.   The union was finally certified in January of 2023, and the Amazon Labor Union continues to work towards organizing other Amazon locations and building strength for the union to negotiate for workers.  In June 2024 the ALU voted to affiliate with the Teamsters union.

The post below shares the Amazon Labor Union's Primeday Wishlist.

Question

  • How can social media build solidarity among workers, union supporters, and consumers?

Amazon Labor Union on X Links to an external site.

X post listing the wish list for the Amazon Labor Union on Prime Day: fair wages, safe workplace, and a Teamsters contract.

Amazon Labor Union wish list formatted to look like a Prime Day Wishlist when shopping on Amazon.

Amazon Labor Union Logo Links to an external site.

Amazon Labor Union IBT. "Our Prime Day Wishlist." X, 8 Oct. 2024.