During one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, Amazon workers across the globe have taken to the streets to protest the company’s practices. From November 29 to December 2, employees in over 20 countries, including India, have joined the “Make Amazon Pay” movement, calling for better working conditions, fair wages, and more sustainable practices from the e-commerce giant.
The protests are part of a broader global action, with workers in countries like Germany, France, Brazil, Japan, and more also voicing their concerns. In Germany, workers in several cities, including Graben and Leipzig, went on strike, while France saw protests led by the activist group ATTAC. In Bangladesh, garment workers raised awareness of how Amazon’s business model affects their livelihoods.
Also read: Amazon to launch AI model which can process images and videos along with text
The Make Amazon Pay campaign, now in its fifth year, aims to hold the company accountable for its alleged labour abuses, environmental damage, and disregard for democratic principles. The movement is supported by organisations like UNI Global Union and Progressive International, and it’s been growing steadily, with past protests including walkouts in the U.S. and Europe and symbolic actions such as projecting the movement’s logo on Amazon offices and Jeff Bezos’ mansion.
Union leaders and activists accuse Amazon of mistreating workers and engaging in union-busting activities. In India, the Amazon India Workers Association is calling for better protection against extreme working conditions, while unions in Germany have been pushing Amazon to comply with collective bargaining agreements for years.
The protests come amid increasing scrutiny of Amazon’s practices. Reports have shown that the company has underreported lobbying expenses in Europe, and it faces legal challenges in the U.S. over labour rights violations. Meanwhile, governments in the U.S. and UK are moving forward with legislation aimed at improving warehouse conditions and easing the process for union recognition.
These strikes highlight the need for Amazon to prioritise workers’ dignity and well-being over profit. The movement continues to grow, with employees demanding a fairer and more sustainable future.