The Amazon Labor Union gathered outside the JFK8 Fulfillment Center in Staten Island on Wednesday evening, coinciding with the retail giant’s ‘Prime Day’ promotions. The rally aimed to address what the union describes as unsafe working conditions that have persisted for years.
Workers from various Amazon sites across the Hudson Valley, alongside representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Whole Foods in Philadelphia, demonstrated solidarity during the event held near the Goethals Bridge.
Participants voiced their concerns about the unbearable heat within the enormous 855,000 square foot facility. Adrian Easterling, an inventory picker at JFK8, shared his personal experience of suffering from heatstroke due to the extreme temperatures and inadequate airflow inside the building. He stated, “Amazon is a multi-trillion dollar company. They should be providing us with water and proper AC and air that’s not filled with dust. It’s disheartening.”
Although Amazon covered Easterling’s missed shift, he had to shoulder his medical expenses incurred from the hospital visit.
Yackisha Nebot Lopez, another picker at JFK8, highlighted the shortcomings of the company’s measures by displaying a ‘Qwik Stik’ electrolyte powder pack provided to workers. Lopez and her colleagues expressed their preference for adequate air conditioning instead of relying on such temporary alternatives.
James Cario, an ALU shop steward at JFK8, elaborated on the ongoing struggles faced by workers, noting the absence of proper climate control: “It’s been six years [since the facility opened]. Where’s the HVAC? Where’s the air conditioning?”
Cario stressed that the union is prepared to escalate their efforts if necessary: “Amazon sets the tone here. We’re letting Amazon know we’re not afraid to escalate. If they don’t want to change how business is done, then business as usual cannot continue.”
Attendees also condemned the dirty working conditions, including dusty workstations and exposed metal that have caused injuries to workers.
Despite being certified by the National Labor Relations Board for three years, the ALU has yet to engage in negotiations with Amazon. The company has reportedly ignored union requests, opting instead for a legal battle against the union’s formation. Last year, ALU members decided to merge with the Teamsters in hopes of gaining more leverage.
In response to the protests, Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards issued a statement emphasizing that the rally was largely organized by outside groups and former employees. Hards claimed, “For more than two years now, the ALU and the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public by claiming they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’. They don’t, and this is another attempt to push that false narrative.”
Currently, the JFK8 facility has over 5,000 unionized workers and 200 non-unionized employees, with subcontracted drivers who do not primarily work at the Staten Island center, according to ALU Recording Secretary Sultana Hossain.
This rally follows a previous march conducted by the ALU last month, protesting the unsafe conditions at JFK8 after the tragic death of a worker, 34-year-old Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, in April. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still investigating the incident. Unions allege that they were not informed of the workplace death and have received no information regarding workplace protocols in place at the time.
Amid reports of a significant drop in sales during the initial day of Prime Day compared to last year, experts suggest that totals may eventually rise by 9.1% year-over-year as the sales event unfolds over four days.
At the rally, workers called on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to allocate a more equitable share of profits towards employee welfare. Anthony Rosario, a Teamster lead organizer for the Amazon division, remarked, “He spent about 50 million on a wedding. All the workers want is a livable wage.”
A drone was observed flying overhead at the start of the 5 p.m. rally, reminiscent of its presence during last year’s holiday season strike, although participants were uncertain of its ownership.
image source from：thecity
