CHICAGO (CBS) — Amazon workers in the northern suburb of Skokie have voted to go on strike in the middle of the busy holiday delivery season.
The Teamsters union said Amazon delivery workers are fighting for a contract with better wages and workplace safety.
The union said it gave Amazon until Dec. 15 to negotiate a contract after hundreds of workers at its Skokie delivery facility reached an agreement with Teamsters Local 705 earlier this year, but so far Amazon has maintained that the drivers are contractors are and not employees, and has refused to do so. even recognize a trade union.
“Amazon’s treatment of its employees is un-American,” said Sean M. O’Brien, CEO of Teamsters. “Amazon’s so-called ‘leaders’ should treat their employees fairly – they just want to put food on the table for their families. Instead, Amazon executives risk ruining the holidays for their customers because of their addiction to putting profits before people.”
Amazon delivery workers in Skokie walked the picket line in Skokie in June, organizing an unfair labor practice strikeaccusing the company of paying inadequate wages, while often forcing them to drive dangerous vans, and pressuring them not to report injuries on the job.
The Teamsters said Amazon illegally refused to recognize their union or negotiate a contract.
Last week, Amazon workers represented by the Teamsters also authorized strikes at two New York facilities.
It is unclear how soon the employees plan to leave their jobs.
Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
