Monday, warehouse employees at Amazon’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) largest air freight operation on the West Coast walked off the job, seeking more pay and relief from unsafely hot working conditions.
Inland Empire Amazon Workers United
In a Facebook post, organizers for a group called Inland Empire Amazon Workers United reported that 160 employees walked off the job at the San Bernardino International Airport facility, a vital part of the multinational technology company’s logistics network and one of the company’s three “air hubs” in the United States.
In a response, the company’s officials disputed the figure, claiming that 74 of the facility’s approximately 1,500 employees had walked out. In a statement, Inland Empire Amazon Workers United reported that about 900 San Bernardino airport employees have signed a petition requesting an increase in base wage from $17 to $22 per hour.
“Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) could deliver a higher standard for workers, but they don’t,” said Sara Fee, who has worked at the air hub since its March 2021 opening. “Simply put, a warehouse is a warehouse. A business is merely a business. People are the driving force behind everything, and we are strong and united to fight for what we deserve.”
According to event organizers, AMZN (NASDAQ:AMZN) is the largest private sector employer in the Inland Empire. One-fifth of the region’s more than 200,000 warehouse workers are employed by Amazon.
In a separate Facebook post, organizers stated, “Amazon promised the Inland Empire quality jobs. They fell short of the mark. Amazon pushed us to work in terrible temperatures, paid us just enough to cover rent, and is now retaliating against us for speaking out.”
Paul Flanigan, a spokesperson for Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), stated that the business respects employees’ right to express their views outside of the workplace and that there are several established channels for employees to communicate issues within.
“We are delighted to offer a minimum starting wage of $17 per hour to full-time employees at our San Bernardino Air Hub and throughout the region,” Flaningan added. “Depending on their shift, our full-time employees can make up to $19.25 per hour and enjoy industry-leading benefits such as healthcare from day one, a 401(k) with a 50% company match, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave.”
“The company provides competitive salary, extensive benefits, and a stimulating, secure work environment,” he said, adding that its officials are constantly receptive to employee feedback and looking for ways to improve.
During Amazon’s Prime Week sales extravaganza in July, workers submitted a petition requesting pay hikes, stating that their wages are insufficient to support them in Southern California.
“Workers who earn $17 per hour and work 40 hours per week receive approximately $2,200 per month, but the average rent in California is $1,700 and the average rent in San Bernardino is $1,650, meaning that over 75% of our salary goes to rent alone.”
The petition stated, “We can barely afford to survive in today’s economy.”
Additionally, the workers were concerned about risky working conditions brought on by severe heat.
Featured Image: Megapixl © Wolterk
