Amazon Workers in India Stage Strike Over Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions
Amazon workers in India have launched a strike demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and union rights as the company gears up for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The protest, which took place on Black Friday, saw around 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers rallying in New Delhi under the banner “Make Amazon Pay.” Some workers even wore masks of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as they voiced their grievances against the company’s practices.
The strike coincided with similar actions at Amazon warehouses in other countries, with workers worldwide calling for higher wages and better conditions. In India, workers are pushing for wage increases, with many arguing that their salaries, which start at around 10,000 rupees ($120) per month, should be raised to at least 25,000 rupees ($295).
Manish Kumar, a 25-year-old warehouse worker, expressed frustration over the disparity between his salary and the cost of living, as well as the high-pressure environment at work. “The environment there is to work under pressure,” Kumar said, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and respect.
The protests are not only calling for better wages but also for improved labor rights. Nitesh Das, a union leader, said the workers hope the government will take up their cause and address their demands. The Amazon India Workers Union has also vowed to submit a memorandum to the country’s Labor Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, outlining their demands.
Amazon, however, responded to the protests by denying the workers’ claims. In a statement, the company argued that its facilities provide competitive pay, comfortable working conditions, and a safe working environment. “We’ve created more than 1.5 million jobs around the world, and counting, and we provide a modern, safe, and engaging workplace,” the company said.
The strike is part of a larger global movement, with protests planned in other countries including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Brazil. The union’s demands also include environmental sustainability efforts and the right for workers to join unions without fear of retaliation.
This strike is a reflection of the challenges faced by workers in India’s expanding gig economy, where rapid economic growth has not always translated into better working conditions or fair compensation. In June 2023, the National Human Rights Commission of India issued a notice to Amazon following reports that workers were being forced to work without breaks during the hot summer season, a claim Amazon denied.
As the holiday season approaches and Amazon prepares for peak shopping, the calls for fair wages and better treatment of workers continue to grow louder.
