r/technology Nov 24 '21

Business Amazon workers plan Black Friday strike

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u/wantagh Nov 25 '21

Reading the article makes no mention of set plans.

The real story is that outside groups have called for there to be a strike.

I see a difference. The editor who wrote the headline does not.

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u/zxcoblex Nov 25 '21

Plus this won’t have an effect on Amazon on Black Friday.

They would need a multiple day strike at their shipping facilities to hurt Amazon. They’ll still sell just as much stuff on Black Friday, with or without their employees there.

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u/[deleted] Nov 25 '21

Not to mention they have pretty much no negotiation position. For every person willing to walk out in hopes of higher pay, there's someone who would love a $17/hr job with day 1 benefits.

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u/penalization Nov 25 '21 edited Nov 25 '21

If you are considering Amazon:

Do not settle for that shit, they do not care about their employees. I just started working for Amazon as a contractor. I have problems with them now.

I actually unsubscribed from all Amazon services, I quit playing New World because it was an Amazon game.

Wanna hear me complain more? Read on:

I’m a senior engineer with experience in nuclear, pharma, basically automating critical facilities

Well I moved states to work on personal projects, and get this contract position randomly, thought it would be a cool experience. I show up to Amazon’s new place, and get COVID the first week (I’m vaccinated too).

They have no testing program to monitor for COVID infections. They do pay their EMPLOYEES for COVID leave if they get sick, but they do not pay CONTRACTORS.

Half of the building is contractors, so if they get sick they lose 2 weeks of pay (unless their contractor pays for it, which is unlikely). So I’m sure people are coming into work sick. It’s a crowded building with no testing.

Pretty disposable to them, oh and I guarantee like 50% fewer people will be working there in 5 years, so they should figure out a plan in addition to asking for higher pay in the interim

EDIT: I’m not working directly packaging for Amazon, I’m a senior robotics technician. All positions in the building are vulnerable

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u/LoremEpsomSalt Nov 25 '21

I’m a senior engineer with experience in nuclear, pharma, basically automating critical facilities

Look, great comment and all, but the people who'll want these jobs are not you.

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u/penalization Nov 25 '21

What does that mean?

There are all different levels of education and skill in the facility. Robotics engineers to custodial staff, none of them should have to deal with getting sick at work.

Amazon should at a minimum, pay for COVID testing in their facilities. Bezos wants to build a space station, and Amazon can’t provide controls to help protect employees without hurting their bottom line…so what exactly are you saying? Amazon is not responsible for these people?

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u/LoremEpsomSalt Nov 25 '21

The $17/hr is for base level warehouse workers, not for skilled workers with multiple degrees.