Amazon workers staged strikes across Europe on Black Friday

Amazon employees in different parts of Europe have announced plans to stage strikes on Black Friday, expressing dissatisfaction with the working methods of the American e-commerce giant.

The international campaign Make Amazon Pay, organized by the global trade union UNI, reported on the alleged strikes and protests in more than 30 countries, starting from Black Friday and until next Monday.

This day, known for its huge discounts in retail stores, is increasingly becoming an online event thanks to companies like Amazon. This year, Amazon is holding ten-day holiday discounts from November 17 to 27.

In Germany, Amazon's second-largest market, employees at five distribution centers began a 24-hour strike Thursday at midnight, demanding a collective wage agreement. An Amazon representative said that employees are paid fair wages, the starting rate exceeds 14 euros ($15.27) per hour, and they enjoy additional benefits. 

In the UK, more than 200 employees of a warehouse in Coventry have joined the strike, demanding a salary increase of up to 15 pounds per hour and improved working conditions. An Amazon representative in the UK said that the minimum wage is from 11.80 to 13 pounds per hour and will be increased from April 2024.

In Italy and Spain, CGIL and CCOO unions have called for strikes on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In France, the anti-globalist organization Attac is calling on activists to take action against Amazon post offices, expecting larger-scale protests compared to last year.

Despite the mass strikes, Amazon stressed that the delivery of orders on the day of sales will be carried out without delay. Amazon shares are down less than 0.1% in preliminary trading on Friday. Since the beginning of the year, the company's capitalization has soared by 75%, to $ 1.52 trillion.