Thousands of Amazon workers, organized under the Teamsters union, went on strike Thursday at 6 a.m. The move came after Amazon repeatedly refused to negotiate, according to the union.
Workers from facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California joined the strike. Teamsters called it the "largest strike" against Amazon in U.S. history, with more workers prepared to join.
The union says it represents about 10,000 workers across ten Amazon facilities. However, Amazon disputes this claim, refusing to recognize their affiliation with the Teamsters.
Watch the latest video at foxbusiness.comAmazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel accused the Teamsters of misleading the public. "They don’t represent Amazon employees or drivers," Nantel said. She alleged the union had used intimidation tactics, which are the subject of ongoing legal disputes.
Despite the strike, Amazon expects no disruption to its operations. Nantel emphasized the company’s position, calling the union's claims "false narratives."
Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz fired back, accusing Amazon of "gaslighting the American public." She argued thousands of workers have organized due to years of exploitation and abuse by the company.
Deniz dismissed Amazon’s denial that drivers in branded vans work for the company. "No one believes this nonsense," she said, urging Amazon to meet its legal obligation and negotiate.
The strike follows Amazon's failure to meet a Dec. 15 deadline set by the union for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. "This strike is on them," said Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, blaming Amazon’s greed.
Workers at picket lines nationwide are demanding change. "Amazon does not respect us or our right to negotiate," said Gabriel Irizarry, a driver in Skokie. He said many workers struggle to pay their bills despite Amazon's profits.
Amazon maintains it offers competitive pay and benefits, highlighting a wage increase to $22 per hour in September. But workers, fed up, insist the strike is about more than pay—it’s about respect and fairness.
"What we’re doing is historic," said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker in San Francisco. "We’re fighting a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win."