Amazon workers on strike in India and other countries during Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales
Amazon employees globally, including in India, have launched protests during the period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday to demand accountability for labor and environmental issues. The ‘Make Amazon Pay’ movement is supported by international unions, which aims to challenge Amazon’s business practices.
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Amazon employees in India and across the world have launched strikes and protests during the busiest shopping weekend of the year – from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. The movement, called “Make Amazon Pay”, is supported by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, which aims to hold Amazon accountable for alleged labor abuses, environmental damage and disregard for democratic principles.
Employees from six continents and more than 20 countries are taking part in the protests from 29 November to 2 December. In India, Amazon workers in New Delhi rallied to highlight poor working conditions, especially during the extreme heat last July. Strikes have also been reported in Germany, France, Brazil, Japan and other countries, where protesters are demanding fair treatment and improvements in workplace standards.
Germany is seeing significant participation, with strikes at warehouses in cities such as Graben, Dortmund and Leipzig. In France, activist group ATTAC is leading protests, while garment workers in Bangladesh are taking to the streets to emphasize the impact of Amazon’s business practices on their livelihoods.
This global action marks the fifth year of the “Make Amazon Pay” protests. The campaign has become a worldwide movement, taking aim at what organizers describe as Amazon’s “relentless pursuit of profit” at the expense of workers and the environment. Previous protests have included walkouts in the US, strikes across Europe and symbolic actions such as projecting the “Make Amazon Pay” logo on Amazon offices and Jeff Bezos’ mansion.
Union leaders and activists have accused Amazon of union-busting, unfair labor practices, and exploiting workers. In India, the Amazon India Workers Association is pushing for better protection against extreme conditions. In Germany, unions have spent years urging Amazon to comply with collective bargaining standards.
“Amazon is everywhere, but so are we,” said Varsha Gandikota-Nelutla of Progressive International. The campaign aims to unite movements across borders to challenge Amazon’s practices and advocate for fair wages, environmental sustainability and stronger protections for workers’ rights.
These attacks come as scrutiny of Amazon increases globally. Reports suggest the company underreported lobbying expenses in Europe and has faced legal challenges in the US for undermining labor rights. Governments in countries such as the US and UK are enacting legislation to address warehouse conditions and simplify union recognition processes.
The blog noted that the “Make Amazon Pay” protests are a call for accountability, seeking a future where the dignity of workers is prioritized over corporate profits.
