Start of strike of Amazonian workers in Minnesota

Shopping with Amazon on the first day may mean crossing a digital picket line.

Amazon workers in Minnesota and Germany are on strike at the launch of Prime Day, which opposes working conditions and pay practices. Europeans have organized events on sale days in recent years. But action in Minnesota is the first big strike of workers in the United States at the company 's annual Prime Day event. This can also be a sign that the $ 15 minimum wage increase by the company last year might not be enough to meet the needs of the workers.

According to Coresight Research, this year's Prime Day could generate up to $ 5.8 billion in sales worldwide. Last year, Amazon announced that consumers around the world had purchased more than 100 million products. This is also the first time Amazon has hosted the Summer Sale event, as it has promised to provide members with one-day shipments of certain items in June.

The strike is part of the continuing pressure of workers on Amazon to "create safe and reliable jobs, increase respect and opportunities for advancement for the predominantly African workforce." East, protect the right to organize and advocate for better working conditions, and demand concrete actions from Amazon to address critical issues such as climate change, "said organizers in a statement.

Workers at the Shakopee Execution Center in Minnesota plan to leave at 3pm. Monday's ET for a six hour period that overlaps the morning and evening shifts. The strike coincides with the first day of Amazon, which could be one of the biggest selling days of the company. Some technology workers in Seattle will also participate in the solidarity strike, according to a statement released by Amazon Employees for Climate Justice.

"These groups invoke disinformation to serve their interests, whereas in reality we already offer them what they claim to be: a $ 15 pay per hour, an unparalleled advantage in the marketplace. Industry, a safe workplace for our employees, "said Amazon statement. "If these groups – the unions and politicians rallied to their cause – really want to help the American worker, we encourage them to focus their efforts on the adoption of legislation providing for an increase in the federal minimum wage. because $ 7.25, it's too low. "

The majority of workers at this facility are from East Africa and have also been frustrated because they say that Amazon has not acknowledged their religious practices. The strike is being organized by the Awood Center, a rights group for Somali and East African workers. Installation workers, known as MSP1, have already opposed the company. But the stakes could be more important since it is an important selling day for the company.

Striking workers in Germany lobbied for two days to secure decent wages and bargaining power for employees. More than 2,000 people attended seven different locations, the union representing the workers told Reuters. In Europe, where labor laws are stricter, Amazon workers have been organizing protests against the company for years.

Amazon said the protests in Germany will have no operational impact or impact on deliveries. "These groups invoke misinformation to work for them, when we already offer them what they claim to be: secure compensation, benefits and a safe workplace for our staff," said a spokesman. say in a statement.

On Monday, the company's shares, valued at $ 991 billion, have risen 33.8% since January.

The AFL-CIO also released Monday a video showing solidarity with workers.

"They work in senseless deadlines, often in dangerous conditions," said Liz Schuler, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, in the video. "We stand in solidarity with the workers of Shakopee and beyond, but we hope you will do it as well." When you stand up collectively, this is how we change business behavior. "

Legislators have also weighed on social media to show their support for workers.

Senator Elizabeth Warren tweeted Monday that she was supporting the struggle of Amazon workers for safe and reliable jobs, which is a way to empower big business.

Senator Bernie Sanders also said that Amazon workers deserve higher wages, safe working conditions, fair timelines and reasonable production requirements.

-Katie Schoolov of CNBC contributed to this report.