Yesterday, Amazon workers went on strike at KCVG, the company’s largest air hub near Cincinnati Northern Kentucky airport (CVG). 

Striking Amazon Teamsters from Skokie, Illinois extended their picket lines. Amazon workers from KCVG honored the extended picket lines and also struck in protest of unfair labor practices committed by Amazon to try to stop their organizing with the Teamsters.

Today’s action continues a wave of recent activity by Amazon workers protesting unfair labor practices and demanding fair pay and treatment.

Momentum Builds

Last week, dozens of KCVG workers marched on supervisors demanding Prime Pay for Prime Day, and an end to retaliation for union organizers.

More than 100 Air cargo workers at the San Bernardino hub—Amazon’s second largest—walked off the job last Sunday to protest retaliation for union organizing.

They were joined by Teamster Amazon Drivers who organized with Teamsters Local 705 in Skokie, IL. 

Skokie drivers also extended their picket line to Staten Island last week.

KCVG Workers began organizing with Teamsters Local 89 earlier this year. More than 3,000 air cargo workers keep Amazon’s mother ship air hub running—but management has refused workers’ demands for fair pay and safe working conditions.

Drivers Demand Recognition

Skokie drivers organized with Teamsters Local 705 to win higher pay. Amazon drivers are paid on average $19-$22 / hour, far below union standards set by UPS drivers. When they announced their union campaign, Amazon canceled the contract with the subcontracted Delivery Service Provider (DSP), taking away the drivers’ jobs.

The Skokie drivers join Amazon Teamster brothers and sisters in Palmdale, CA, who joined Teamsters Local 396 in 2023. Amazon also canceled the DSP contract for Palmdale drivers.

Workers are awaiting a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board on “joint employer status”—which would put an end to Amazon’s favorite legal loophole: pretending that the drivers who deliver Amazon packages, in Amazon uniforms, with Amazon vans, are not employees of Amazon.

In the meantime, Amazon Teamsters from Skokie and Palmdale are extending picket lines to key Amazon hubs across the country, disrupting Amazon’s fulfillment and inspiring Amazon workers to organize with the Teamsters.