Joe Allen: The Teamster's "strikes' at Amazon: A Critical Assessment

[OT+]

[OT+]

Screenshot 2025-01-01 at 11.35.25 AM (2).jpg
More: A Critical Assessment

[Gimme_Danger]

Good old do-nothing Joe talking down to us about worker organizing.

[The Direct Line]

This should be a structural test and therefore, needs a critical analysis. Where it went good but moreover, where does there need to be improvements. How many inside warehouse workers and DSP drivers were approached and approached the organizers. Some DSP drivers that were not on strike took Teamsters Amazon pins and rolled down their windows to talk to their fellow DSP drivers on strike.

[OT+]

[Gimme_Danger]

This should be a structural test and therefore, needs a critical analysis. Where it went good but moreover, where does there need to be improvements. How many inside warehouse workers and DSP drivers were approached and approached the organizers. Some DSP drivers that were not on strike took Teamsters Amazon pins and rolled down their windows to talk to their fellow DSP drivers on strike.

This is the start of an effort that is critical to the Teamsters and unions generally. Clearly there has been some momentum to organize Amazon workers, whether direct or through a joint employer. Amazon talks out of both sides of its mouth, even filed a ULP against Local 804, but has argued that the NLRB is unconstitutional. The public nature of this action, with organizing as the overall approach, will gain worker leads for organizing. The Amazon Division and Locals need to grab on and keep building.

[OT+]

[Gimme_Danger]

Good article

[WTF891]

Sounds like the decades long port strikes. Didn't SOB put a bullet in the head of that one?

[The Direct Line]

This is the start of an effort that is critical to the Teamsters and unions generally. Clearly there has been some momentum to organize Amazon workers, whether direct or through a joint employer. Amazon talks out of both sides of its mouth, even filed a ULP against Local 804, but has argued that the NLRB is unconstitutional. The public nature of this action, with organizing as the overall approach, will gain worker leads for organizing. The Amazon Division and Locals need to grab on and keep building.

One, the Amazon Division should not have a single Amazon Director. There needs to be regional directors or co-chairs, whatever title you want to give it. We know about the actions of NY and California. We don't know how the actions in Georgia and Skokie, Illinios went.

I saw the work leaders/influencers/organic leaders. They spoke to their co-workers. That is a positive but Amazon has so many facilities. It is gonna take time to get into contact with the organic leaders each of those Amazon facilities. Again, that is why there needs to be regional Amazon directors or co-chairs.

[Gimme_Danger]

Regional directors? What does that even mean? Do they operate separately? Should Carey have had regional Warehouse Division directors too?

[Barry455]

I'm sure the IBT will do a hard look at the results of the Amazon "strike", but its clear the focus has been on the delivery drivers. That was apparent by who was actually on the lines besides the Locals staffs, BA's and Stewards,

Their a good target because the work they do is similar to UPS but their terms and conditions are completely inferior. They were a good target because the NLRB under Biden agreed that they were really emloyed by Amazon and the notion that they were employed by a "delivery partner" was subterfuge to avoid their responsibilities and the union.

What will a Trump NLRB decide?

[The Direct Line]

Most likely reverse that decision.

[The Direct Line]

I guess you love this top down structure Gimme_Danger where all the decisions are made from the top and everyone follows. You know like a one size fits all approach.

Why don't you tell me if Carey should have had regional Warehouse Division directors too. Your question already told us your answers.

[Gimme_Danger]

The Package Division currently has regional directors with a central coordinator, along with regional representatives. The other Divisions all have a Director and representatives. They work as a team, and all are accountable to the General President. I'm not sure there has been another structure, particularly under how the IBT Constitution has concentrated authority to the GP since the 1950s.

[The Direct Line]

Why didn't you bring up the Package Division at first rather than the Warehouse Division, Gimme_Danger. If there is a "director" then there is a structure in place. Once again, it has to be decentralized and have regional directors like there are in the Package Division.

[Gimme_Danger]

Maybe it evolves into that when we organize Amazon workers and get a national master contract. Even then, like the Package Division, there will need to be some centralizing authority.

[The Direct Line]

Gimme_Danger brings up something that comrade Joe Allen's article addresses. We, the Teamsters will need help to organize Amazon. It must be an "all hands on deck" approach with the rest of labor's help.
I wonder how many other unions joined us at the Amazon picket line. I saw IBT officials, staff and some rnf but not that many other unions.

[Thisischange?]

Seanie Boy has isolated himself from the rest of labor. Remember It's the Teamsters vs Everybody. Historic strategy.

[The Direct Line]

I don't know which one is a worse idea: that shirt or Better Bad Ideas podcast.

[OT+]

Home X - 2025-01-23T105629.300.jpg
Amazon Organizing in Canada