Palmdale Amazon Workers Extend Strike to Santa Clarita Warehouse
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Amid the bustling Prime Week rush, striking Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers from Palmdale, Calif., have expanded their picket line to include a nearby Amazon warehouse in Santa Clarita, Calif. (DPS5). Their demand is simple: they want the e-commerce giant to put an end to its unfair labor practices. The strike, which has been growing in size, will continue until Amazon reinstates the unlawfully terminated Palmdale employees, recognizes the Teamsters, respects the negotiated contract, and engages in bargaining with the Teamsters Union to address low pay and hazardous working conditions.
“Amazon needs to show respect for the rights and dignity of the workers who wear its uniforms and deliver its packages,” stated Rajpal Singh, one of the striking Amazon drivers. “I work for a trillion-dollar company, yet every week I worry if I’ll have enough food for my children and grandchildren. We are on strike to put an end to Amazon’s unfair labor practices, and we won’t stop fighting until our families receive what they deserve.”
The strike by Amazon drivers and dispatchers began on June 24 at an Amazon delivery station in Palmdale, Calif. Over the course of three weeks, they have picketed nine Amazon warehouses across the country, including facilities in California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
“Since this strike started on June 24, these Amazon workers have remained united in their pursuit of fair pay and safe jobs,” said Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 396 in Los Angeles. “Despite Amazon’s illegal refusal to recognize their union or engage in bargaining, the community and fellow workers in this industry have consistently shown unwavering support. Millions of Teamster members stand shoulder to shoulder, with firm resolve, supporting their brothers and sisters at Amazon. Together, we are resolute in holding this corporate criminal accountable for its treatment of their workers.”
In April, the 84 workers in Palmdale joined Teamsters Local 396 and negotiated a contract with Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP), Battle-Tested Strategies (BTS). However, Amazon has refused to acknowledge and honor the union contract, despite having complete control over BTS and the terms and conditions of employment for the workers. Instead, Amazon has committed dozens of unfair labor practices in violation of federal labor law, including terminating the entire unit of newly organized workers.
“I shouldn’t have to sell plasma to make ends meet for my family. I shouldn’t have to continue delivering packages after being bitten by a dog on my route,” expressed Arturo Solorzano, another striking Amazon driver. “We formed a union to protect ourselves, but Amazon has broken the law and disregarded our rights. Our movement is gaining momentum, and we will secure the good jobs that we and all Amazon workers need.”
The Amazon drivers in Palmdale joined forces with the Teamsters to ensure their safety in extreme temperatures, which often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during Palmdale summers. Their Teamster contract guarantees their right to operate safe equipment and refuse unsafe deliveries. However, making these contract protections a reality will require a complete overhaul of Amazon’s exploitative labor practices.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
On site: Shaun Martinez, (619) 389-9584
Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters