Black Friday strike: Amazon workers in UK and US to walk out on busiest shopping day of the year

Thousands of Amazon employees in more than 30 countries plan to take part in a coordinated protest against the online retail giant on Black Friday.

Warehouse workers and delivery drivers will strike in the UK, US, Germany, Italy and Spain as part of the campaign organised by the Make Amazon Pay group, while protests will also take place in major cities throughout dozens more countries.

Those taking part in the industrial action, which is led by the Swiss-based UNI GLobal Union and Progressive International, are calling on Amazon to improve workers’ rights, pay more taxes and commit to greater environmental sustainability.

The day of action on 29 November is the fourth Black Friday in a row that Make Amazon May has organised action, aiming to disrupt Amazon on what is usually the busiest shopping day of the year.

“This day of action grows every year because the movement to hold Amazon accountable keeps getting bigger and stronger,” said Christy Hoffman, the general secretary of UNI Global Union.

“Workers know that it doesn’t matter what country you’re in or what your job title is, we are all united in the fight for higher wages, an end to unreasonable quotas, and a voice on the job. That’s what workers in Coventry are striking for, and that is why workers around the world are standing up to Make Amazon Pay.”

Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, co-general coordinator of the Progressive International, added: “This global day of action is more than a protest. It is a worldwide declaration that this age of abuse must end.”

Previous years have seen organised walkouts in the US, protests outside Amazon’s headquarters, and street marches by garment workers in Bangladesh.

Amazon said in a statement that it is already taking a proactive stance against climate change after becoming the largest purchaser of renewable energy in the world.

“These groups represent a variety of interests, and while we’re always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams,” an Amazon UK spokesperson said.