Amazon workers and their allies are gearing up for a massive global strike during one of the company’s busiest shopping weekends—Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Dubbed “Make Amazon Pay,” the strike is spearheaded by UNI Global Union and Progressive International and aims to pressure the retail giant to address accusations of labor abuses, environmental harm, and undermining democracy.
The protests are set to unfold across more than 20 countries, with thousands of workers and supporters expected to participate. This includes major demonstrations in France, large-scale strikes in Germany, and gatherings in cities like New Delhi. Over 80 trade unions and advocacy organizations are backing the campaign, now in its fifth year.
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, didn’t mince words about Amazon’s business practices. “Amazon’s relentless drive for profit has come at a high cost—hurting workers, the economy, and even democracy itself,” Hoffman said. She also highlighted the company’s aggressive stance against unionization efforts, emphasizing that workers’ fight for justice and representation is gaining momentum worldwide.
Amazon, for its part, pushed back against the criticism. Spokesperson Eileen Hards called the campaign “intentionally misleading” and defended the company’s policies. “At Amazon, we provide great pay, excellent benefits, and numerous opportunities,” Hards said in a statement to ABC News.
The timing of the strike could potentially disrupt holiday deliveries, adding pressure to Amazon during its peak sales period. As shoppers hunt for deals, the world will be watching to see if the strike sparks any meaningful changes—or simply delays the packages on their way to doorsteps.
