A man holds a FIT-CISL flag outside a distribution center during a strike at Amazon’s logistics operations in Italy, in Passo Corese, Italy, March 22, 2021.
Remo Casilli | Reuters
Amazon’s warehouse and delivery employees went on strike in Italy to raise concerns about working conditions.
The 24-hour strike takes place at several Amazon warehouses in Italy, including Tuscany, Florence and Pisa. The unions FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti have declared that it is the first national strike that affects the entire logistics operation of Amazon in Italy.
The strike comes as tensions rise between Amazon and the front-line workforce in Europe and the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic. Warehouse workers in Italy and other parts of Europe went on strike last year to demand that Amazon implement greater safety measures for coronavirus. US workers also took part in protests and protests last year to highlight similar concerns.
In addition, warehouse workers at Amazon Bessemer, Alabama, known as BHM1, are currently voting on joining the Retail Union, Wholesale and Department Store. Trade unions have a stronger point of support among Amazon’s European workforce, but Amazon has managed to give up US organizing efforts
FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti called a strike after declaring that negotiations had been suspended with Assoespressi, an employers’ association representing long-distance couriers and e-commerce, including some of Amazon’s third-party delivery companies in Italy .
Workers and unions are calling on Amazon and Assoespressi to make changes to workloads, shifts and benefits. It also requests access to a “Covid allowance for operations in constant pandemic conditions”.
Stuart Jackson, communications director for Amazon’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, told CNBC in a statement: “The fact is that Amazon and our Italian network of independent delivery providers are already delivering what these groups are asking for – excellent salary, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for career development, all working in a modern and safe work environment. The unions know this. “
Representatives of FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti did not immediately respond to a request for comment.