Closing statement of the Spring 2024 meeting of Amazon Workers International (AWI)

From January 19 to January 20, 2024, 30 workers of Amazon from Germany (ver.di), France (Solidaires), Poland (IP), Spain (CGT, LAB), and the US (AUC, ALU) met in Paris, France, to share experiences and discuss strategies. Since 2015 Amazon Workers International (AWI) have been organizing meetings twice a year. It’s based on the knowledge that Amazon has to be faced on the level its operating: transnational. A core idea of AWI has been, that it has to be the workers themselves, that meet and decide upon the direction of their struggle.
For years Amazons expansion seemed to be unstoppable. It opened warehouse after warehouse all over the world. After the end of the pandemic of Covid 19 this trend has lost momentum. Amazon starts to close warehouses using the excuse of outdated technology. Thereby, it’s threatening the livelihood of the workers. We have to stand together to prevent this development from being to the disadvantage of the workers.
Amazon has become known as one of the major union busters in the world. This repression of the workers’ rightful exercise of their voice has to stop! This can only be achieved collectively and solidaristic. For many years workers at Amazon have been fighting for better working conditions. The company, however, has been refusing to negotiate with unions. It has reacted by firing and discriminating against union activists and by hindering union activities. We will develop a common strategy against union busting at Amazon to defend our movement.
Amazon has to be confronted on the international level. AWI has decided to join the global day of action on Blackfriday 2024. Amazon has become one of the most powerful companies in the world. It is having an negative impact on our working conditions and communities. Hence it is necessary to join forces with workers, unions, and other organizations around the world to counter its power: Make Amazon pay!
Stay attentive for information about the next meeting of AWI! After our successful meeting in Paris, we want to continue building solidarity across borders. We plan a further meeting in the second half of this year. If you want to participate, get in touch with us. Keep an eye on our website for further announcements.