On Black Friday, the German trade union Verdi called for Amazon employees across the country to strike for better working conditions and fair wages. Approximately 1,200 participants gathered in Bad Hersfeld, joined by colleagues from the US, UK, Sweden, and Italy. Verdi demands legally binding collective agreements to ensure fair compensation and improved working conditions, citing excessive pressure, exhausting work intensification, and workplace surveillance as major issues.
Amazon insists its employees receive fair pay and benefits, including a starting wage of at least 15 euros per hour and additional perks like covering the cost of the Germany ticket. Despite these claims, the company has consistently refused to engage in collective bargaining since strikes began in 2013.
The demonstration is part of a broader international effort, with protests occurring in over 30 countries under the "MakeAmazonPayDay" campaign. Amazon's revenue in Germany reached 34.9 billion euros in 2022, a 12% increase from the previous year, yet the company remains steadfast in its refusal to negotiate collective agreements.
While the strike aimed to highlight the need for improved labor conditions, Amazon stated that the protest would not impact the timely delivery of Black Friday orders. Verdi's call for action reflects ongoing tensions between the online retail giant and its workforce, as employees continue to push for a fairer workplace.
