Global protests mark fifth year of 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign

The protests in Germany are part of a broader movement organized by UNI Global Union and Progressive International. From November 29th to December 2nd, workers across six continents will mobilize in over 30 countries against Amazon's practices.

Germany’s strikes align with international demonstrations:

- In France, Attac plans actions in over 30 cities.

- In India, hundreds will rally in New Delhi against unsafe working conditions.

- Bangladeshi garment workers demand fair treatment from suppliers linked with Amazon.

This marks the fifth year of Make Amazon Pay actions that began on Black Friday—also called Make Amazon Pay Day—and extend through the weekend. The campaign unites diverse groups challenging Amazon's practices.

Despite resistance from companies like Amazon, unions like Germany’s ver.di continue advocating for collective bargaining standards globally. Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla from Progressive International emphasized: “Amazon is everywhere but so are we... By uniting across borders..."

Various global actions include:

- Strikes by nine warehouses in Germany.

- Atlanta drivers joining Teamsters demanding union recognition.

- Strikes by Italian workers during a general strike.

- Protests by Indian street vendors demanding better conditions.

- Demonstrations in Spain extending possibly until Cyber Monday.

- Protests at Tokyo’s HQ regarding driver exploitation.

- South African activists protesting Indigenous land desecration.

- UK protests addressing tax dodging and environmental issues.

The 'Make Amazon Pay' campaign was launched on Black Friday 2020 by UNI Global Union alongside Progressive International. It brings together more than 80 unions and organizations worldwide advocating fair pay for workers among other demands.