Amazon (AMZN.O) encountered widespread strikes and protests across Europe on Black Friday as workers rallied against the e-commerce giant’s labor practices during one of the busiest shopping periods. Coordinated under the banner of the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign by UNI Global Union, demonstrations unfolded in over 30 countries, lasting from Black Friday to Monday.
In Germany, the second-largest market for Amazon, approximately 2,000 workers participated in strikes across six fulfillment centers, with a significant workforce percentage striking in Rheinberg and Leipzig. Meanwhile, over 200 workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse in England joined the protest, emphasizing long-standing disputes over pay and working conditions.
In Italy, more than 60% of workers at the Castel San Giovanni warehouse went on strike, as reported by trade union CGIL. Spanish union CCOO called for a one-hour strike on each shift during “Cyber Monday” next week.
Even with disruptions, an Amazon spokesperson in Germany reassured customers of reliable and timely deliveries, emphasizing fair wages. In the UK, the company maintained that the strike would not cause significant disruptions, while the Italian branch reported over 86% of workers attending without operational impact.
Despite the protests, Amazon remains a dominant force in Europe, with its app boasting 146 million active users in October, surpassing rivals Shein and Temu, according to data.ai. The company’s resilience comes amid growing global discontent over Black Friday’s consumerism, with demonstrations in France targeting Amazon lockers, labeling the event as a “celebration of overproduction and overconsumption.”
