This week, UNI Global Union’s World Executive Board unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the French Amazon strikers who are demanding better compensation during the COVID19 pandemic. In France, Amazon is refusing to accept the workers’ demands and forcing employees to work on Saturdays, just as the second wave is forcing millions to stay at home.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our French brothers and sister going on strike against Amazon to demand fair pay and common-sense protections during the second covid-19 wave,” said Christy Hoffman General Secretary of UNI Global Union. “As regular people in France and across Europe take extra steps to limit unnecessary travel and help slow down COVID-19, Amazon is forcing employees to work on Saturday and refusing their demands for hazard pay. A pandemic that has already killed over a million people worldwide shouldn’t be ignored. It’s time to listen to workers!
UNI Global Union World Executive Board commits to support Amazon strikers in France
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Essential workers, and specifically Amazon workers, are facing unprecedented health risks and economic challenges during the ongoing pandemic. Tens of thousands of Amazon workers have been infected worldwide while Amazon is having its most profitable year ever, and just set a record for sales in a quarter.
Amazon has historically refused to directly negotiate with unions unless forced to by law—jeopardizing the welfare, health and safety of workers, their families, and their communities.
Amazon workers in France represented by unions including CGT and FO are currently on strike demanding decent treatment and fair pay.
UNI Global Union, through its affiliated national trade unions, is the largest representative body of Amazon workers in the world –including Amazon workers from 22 countries, and in solidarity with French strikers, we are demanding the following:
· Amazon should immediately cease opposition to unions and negotiate with the lawful representatives of the French Amazon workers.
· Amazon should increase worker pay, as requested by the strikers and make these pay increases permanent.
· Amazon should follow leading health and safety recommendations and implement best practices for safety precautions until the pandemic has fully subsided.
· Amazon should allow trade unions or their selected experts to inspect and ensure leading health and safety recommendations are being properly implemented.
UNI Global Union represents more than 20 million workers from over 150 different countries in the fastest growing service sectors in the world. UNI and our affiliates in all regions are driven by the responsibility to ensure these jobs are decent and workers’ rights are protected, including the right to join a union and collective bargaining.
