Teamsters launching historic nationwide strike against Amazon

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Teamsters launch strike against Amazon

The Teamsters Union is making good on its promise to strike against Amazon, with picket lines set to begin at 6 a.m. tomorrow at the Maspeth fulfillment center in Queens and other locations nationwide. FOX 5's Sharon Crowley has the story.

The Teamsters union will launch the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 19.

Thousands of Amazon workers nationwide will walk off the job to demand higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions, citing the company's refusal to negotiate with unionized employees. 

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed," said Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President. "These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit, and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them."

Workers will go on strike at several key Amazon facilities nationwide, including DBK4 in Queens.

Workers Demand Fair Treatment

Amazon, the second-largest corporation on the Fortune 500 list with a valuation exceeding $2 trillion, has faces criticism for allegedly underpaying its employees.

"I’ve seen the Teamsters win big battles," said Dia Ortiz, a worker at DBK4 in New York. "We’re ready to do what it takes to win this one."

Beginning less than a week before Christmas, the strike will likely see consumers face delays in their holiday deliveries.