Teamsters in Rhode Island and Mass. picket during national Amazon strike

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Teamsters launched what they say is the “largest” strike against Amazon in U.S. history today, with members joining the picket lines in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The strike, according to Teamsters, follows Amazon’s repeated “refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters.”

Teamsters said that Amazon has continuously failed to meet its legal obligations to bargain with thousands of drivers and workers inside warehouses and fulfillment centers.

In refusing to negotiate with Amazon Teamsters by December 15, Teamsters said Amazon has “forced workers” to the picket line where they are making their demands for recognition and fair treatment “loud and clear.”

In a statement, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said that if your package is delayed during the holidays, you can “blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.”

“We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” he said.

“These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them.”

Including in Johnston and Fall River, workers will join the picket line in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Illinois.

Although the Teamsters claim to represent 10,000 Amazon workers, the number accounts for less than 1% of the company’s U.S. workforce.

In a statement, Amazon said they do not expect any impact on operations.

“The Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal,” they said.