Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, is not only a time for discounts and deals but also a moment of protest for thousands of Amazon workers across the globe. This year, workers in over 20 countries are set to participate in strikes and protests between Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2) to demand better workers’ rights, fair pay, and meaningful action on climate change from the e-commerce giant.
The protests, organized by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, will take place in major cities worldwide, including the United States, Germany, the UK, Turkey, Canada, India, Japan, Brazil, and others. Workers and their representatives, including trade unions and workers’ rights groups, aim to highlight Amazon’s practices that they argue exploit workers and contribute to environmental degradation.
The Make Amazon Pay Campaign
Spearheaded by UNI Global Union, a Swiss-based organization representing service workers, the Make Amazon Pay campaign calls for Amazon to uphold the rights of its workers, address its environmental impact, and pay its fair share of taxes. The campaign is supported by more than 80 organizations, including trade unions, anti-poverty groups, and environmental activists, who are uniting in their effort to bring about change at one of the largest and most profitable corporations in the world.
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, is often mentioned in these protests, as he is not only one of the richest men globally but also a symbol of Amazon’s unchecked influence. Protestors argue that despite the company’s vast wealth, Amazon has failed to provide adequate conditions for its workers, while contributing to tax avoidance and environmental harm.
Black Friday Strikes in Key Countries
United Kingdom
In the UK, protests are expected outside Amazon’s headquarters in Bishopsgate, London, on Black Friday. Activists from Tax Justice UK and other groups will present a petition with more than 110,000 signatures, calling for the end of tax breaks for Amazon and other large corporations. The petition demands that Amazon pay its fair share of taxes and cease exploiting loopholes that benefit the company at the expense of the public. The protest will be followed by a march to 11 Downing Street, calling on the government to act on this issue.
The GMB union, which represents Amazon workers in the UK, will also host an online rally on Black Friday. In 2023, protests and strikes by GMB union members in Coventry brought attention to unsafe working conditions, insecure employment, and low wages in Amazon warehouses.
Amanda Gearing, a senior organizer for the GMB, emphasized that Amazon’s practices epitomize the failures of modern capitalism, saying, “Insecure work, poverty wages, and often unsafe working conditions: GMB will not let these shape the world of work for the next decade.”
Germany
In Germany, the Ver.di union will lead strikes at multiple Amazon warehouses in cities such as Dortmund, Leipzig, Koblenz, and Bad Hersfeld. The strikes are part of a broader effort to improve working conditions and secure better wages for employees. Ver.di has been one of the most vocal critics of Amazon in Europe, with protests taking place on major shopping days like Black Friday for several years.
France
Protests are also planned in France, where the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Citizens’ Action (ATTAC) will hold demonstrations in several cities. The French protests focus on Amazon’s tax practices and its environmental footprint. This marks the fifth year of Make Amazon Pay protests in France.
The Workers’ Demands
The central demands of these protests focus on improving conditions for Amazon employees, ensuring fair wages, and pushing the company to take meaningful steps to address climate change. Specifically, the Make Amazon Pay campaign calls for:
- Fair Pay and Workers’ Rights: Workers argue that Amazon’s compensation is not enough given the physical and emotional toll of working in its warehouses. They demand higher wages, job security, and the right to organize through unions.
- Environmental Sustainability: Activists are also calling for Amazon to take real action on the climate crisis. Although Amazon has made claims about being the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy, critics argue that the company is still failing to meet its climate goals. Amazon’s annual carbon emissions have increased by 34.5% since 2019, and the company does not have interim targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
- Fair Tax Contributions: Amazon’s tax avoidance strategies have been a major point of contention. Despite making billions in profits, Amazon has avoided paying its fair share of taxes in many countries. The protests are calling for Amazon to stop using loopholes and tax breaks that allow it to minimize its tax liability.
- Safe Working Conditions: Warehouse conditions at Amazon have long been a source of concern. Reports of unsafe working environments, excessive surveillance, and unreasonably high productivity demands have led to numerous worker complaints. The protests aim to highlight these issues and demand a safer, more humane workplace for Amazon employees.
Amazon’s Response to the Protests
In response to the ongoing protests, Amazon has reiterated its commitment to providing competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a safe working environment for its employees. A company spokesperson stated, “We are always listening and looking at ways to improve, but we remain proud of the competitive pay, benefits, and work experience we provide our teams.”
Amazon also touts its role as the largest purchaser of renewable energy globally, noting that all of its electricity needs were met with renewable energy sources last year. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient given Amazon’s large carbon footprint and the lack of concrete plans to meet its environmental goals.
The Role of Activists and Unions in the Movement
Unions and activist groups have played a pivotal role in organizing these protests and strikes. The involvement of international labor organizations such as UNI Global Union has been instrumental in bringing together workers from around the world. Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, expressed solidarity with Amazon workers, saying, “The strikes and protests happening around the world show that workers’ desire for justice— for union representation—can’t be stopped.”
Activists argue that Amazon’s business model, which prioritizes profit over people, has far-reaching consequences. They believe that without significant change, the company will continue to exploit workers and contribute to environmental destruction, all while avoiding its tax responsibilities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Amazon Workers and the Protests?
The Black Friday protests are just one part of a larger ongoing movement aimed at bringing about systemic change at Amazon. Workers, activists, and unions are calling for a fundamental shift in how the company operates. They argue that Amazon must prioritize workers’ rights, sustainability, and ethical practices over profit if it is to truly live up to its promises.
As the global protests unfold, it remains to be seen whether Amazon will heed the calls for change or continue to defend its practices. One thing is clear: the workers, unions, and activists involved in the Make Amazon Pay campaign are committed to continuing their fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and climate justice.
Conclusion
Black Friday, traditionally a day of massive sales and deals, has now become a global stage for Amazon workers and activists who are fighting for their rights. The protests are set to reverberate across the world, urging Amazon to reconsider its labor practices, environmental policies, and tax strategies. While Amazon has defended its practices, the growing number of protests signals that workers are unwilling to remain silent. This Black Friday, the spotlight is not just on discounts but on the demands for justice, fairness, and sustainability at one of the world’s most influential companies.
