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, on March 22, 2021.
Remo Casilli | Reuters
Amazon warehouse and delivery workers have gone on strike in Italy to voice concerns about working conditions.
The 24-hour strike is taking place in several Amazon warehouses in Italy, including in Tuscany, Florence and Pisa. Unions FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti said it is the first national strike to hit Amazon’s entire logistics operations in Italy.
The strike comes as tensions between Amazon and its frontline workers in Europe and the US have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. Warehouse workers in Italy and other parts of Europe went on strike last year to call on Amazon to implement greater security measures for the coronavirus. US workers also participated in strike and protests last year to highlight similar concerns.
Additionally, warehouse workers at the Amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama, known as BHM1, are currently voting on whether or not to join the retail, wholesale, and department store union. Unions have more foothold among some of Amazon’s European workforce, but Amazon has managed to prevent US organization efforts
FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti declared the strike after they said negotiations broke down with Assoespressi, an employers’ association representing last-mile and e-commerce couriers, including some Amazon third-party delivery companies in Italy.
Employees and unions are calling on Amazon and Assoespressi to make changes to workload, shifts and benefits. They are also calling for 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 service providers are already providing what these groups are asking for – excellent pay, excellent benefits and excellent opportunities for advancement, all while working in a safe, modern work environment. The unions know this. “
Representatives from FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti did not immediately respond to a request for comment.