Amazon Delivery Drivers Go on Strike in Four States Over Working Conditions and Pay
Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in four states across the US, protesting against what they claim are long hours, little help, and poor working conditions. The strike has spread to 199 facilities nationwide, although it does not involve a work stoppage by drivers making deliveries.
The drivers, who are represented by the Teamsters union, are demanding better pay, working conditions, and recognition by Amazon as their employers. The union claims that the drivers are underpaid and overworked, with long hours and limited breaks.
Amazon, however, disputes the union’s claims, saying that the company’s routing technology ensures that the majority of drivers finish their routes early or on time, and that the drivers have at least an hour of break time throughout the day. The company also considers the drivers to be independent contractors, saying they are not employees.
The strike comes as Amazon is facing increased scrutiny over its treatment of its workers. The company’s warehouse workers and delivery drivers have been vocal about their demands for better pay and working conditions in recent years.
“We want for the company to care about us more, so that we can care more about the job we’re doing and show up better for this job,” said Samantha Thomas, a delivery driver for Amazon.
Some drivers have reported injuries and stress due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Thomas Hickman, a delivery driver in Georgia, said he has injured his ankle and leg while on the job and is exhausted by the long hours and lack of support.
Ash’shura Brooks, another delivery driver, said she has struggled with long hours, lack of safety guardrails, and limited leniency. “You either sacrifice your safety in order to get things done faster, or you sacrifice your job in order to do things more safely,” she said.
The Teamsters union has launched picket lines at Amazon facilities across the country, and have extended their demands to include recognition of Amazon as the employers of the drivers. Trenton Knight, a delivery driver in Georgia, said, “If we weren’t their workers, we wouldn’t be driving their trucks, we wouldn’t be wearing their gear, we wouldn’t be delivering their packages.”