My husband and I are full-time employees of one of the world’s wealthiest companies. Why, then, can we not afford to have children?
For four years, my husband, Andrew, and I have delivered packages for Amazon in Southern California. I find my work fulfilling; I deliver over 160 packages daily, contributing to my community. However, Amazon has consistently mistreated and undervalued me.
One would expect a corporation valued at over a trillion dollars to treat its employees better. At Amazon’s DAX5 facility in City of Industry, we earn $22 per hour, with no paid lunch breaks. Working 10-hour days, four days a week, I still cannot afford California’s cost of living.
The vans are unclean and poorly maintained. Furthermore, we face constant scrutiny for minor infractions, even during breaks.
Worst of all, Amazon obstructs our right to organize. They accomplish this by using Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), ostensibly independent companies, to employ drivers exclusively for Amazon. This allows them to deny employee status and avoid union negotiations.
The situation is further complicated by stringent DSP hiring requirements. Amazon, however, dictates our schedules and retains the power to discipline and terminate us.
Despite wearing Amazon uniforms and delivering Amazon products, they claim I am not a true Amazon employee.
At DAX5, this has left us feeling helpless. The uncertainty and poor working conditions have forced us to postpone starting a family due to financial constraints.
Why Amazon workers are unionizing
Feeling powerless, I learned about other Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters Union and was inspired to act.
Researching Teamster contracts nationwide, including those at companies like UPS, revealed a stark contrast. UPS, worth approximately 20 times less than Amazon, pays its drivers considerably more. Many UPS facilities provide on-site car washes and mechanics, and employees enjoy greater job security. Conversely, at Amazon, we risk termination for minor offenses. This led me to seek a better future for Andrew, myself, and our future family.
After discussing the Teamsters’ successes with my colleagues at DAX5, we discovered widespread support. In November, following extensive discussions, a majority of drivers voted to join the Teamsters Union.
Amazon has refused to acknowledge our union and negotiate a contract, a move we consider unfair and illegal. Thousands of Amazon Teamsters nationwide are now striking, demanding a fair labor agreement. Workers in New York, Georgia, Illinois, and California, among other locations, are picketing at hundreds of Amazon facilities.
We seek only fair wages and working conditions. Amazon’s actions, however, have left us with no alternative. Failure to act risks setting a precedent for other companies to similarly mistreat their workforce.
We must fight for our rights. At Amazon, we are committed to achieving the respect we deserve.