Amazon Workers in India Strike: The Fight for Fairness on Black Friday

NEW DELHI, Delhi — In a significant move, Amazon employees across India have initiated strike action to demand improvements in wages and working conditions as the holiday shopping season looms. This action coincides with Black Friday, marking one of the most critical retail periods of the year.

Approximately 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers gathered in New Delhi under the ‘Make Amazon Pay’ banner. Many protestors donned masks resembling Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, a visual representation of their dissatisfaction with the company’s labor practices.

The demonstrations, which echo similar actions worldwide, aim to secure higher wages, enhanced working conditions, and the right to unionize. “Our basic salary is 10,000 rupees ($120), yet it should be at least 25,000 rupees ($295),” stated Manish Kumar, a 25-year-old warehouse worker. He further described the intense pressure employees face in their roles.

Nitesh Das, a union leader, expressed frustration at the government’s inaction. “We want the government to take up our cause,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the workers’ plight.

In response, Amazon has categorized these claims as misleading, asserting that their working conditions are industry-leading. An official statement claimed, “Our facilities are designed for competitive pay and safety.” The company highlighted the creation of over 1.5 million jobs globally, emphasizing their commitment to employee welfare.

The Amazon India Workers Union has indicated that protests will continue in other Indian states and internationally, calling for fair wages, union recognition, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. The union plans to submit a memorandum of their demands to India’s Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Despite the growth of the gig economy in India, challenges remain, including low pay and unfavorable working conditions. The National Human Rights Commission of India has previously intervened, issuing a notice to Amazon about reports of workers being denied breaks during extreme heat in summer. Amazon has denied these allegations.