KSBD TEAMSTERS ON ULP STRIKE?
A GUIDE FOR NEXT STEPS
Thursday, December 18th — Largest Amazon Worker Strike in History BEGINS! Amazon Teamsters across the country at eight different facilities have started a strike and extended picket lines because Amazon is committing unfair labor practices (ULP) and illegally refusing to negotiate a Teamsters contract.
With management expecting a strike at KSBD, leadership reduced volume by more than half with a very high headcount. A strike did not happen today, but clearly, Amazon is scared. KSBD workers will go on strike when the time is right. Meanwhile, we will cheer on our fellow Amazonians on the ULP strike and all the UPS and unionized trucks refusing to cross picket lines at many more facilities.
KSBD Amazon Teamsters have demanded union recognition at KSBD, Amazon’s largest air hub on the West Coast! Because we are the majority, we want Amazon to recognize us as Teamsters and begin negotiating a union contract to fix the low wages, dangerous working conditions, and disrespect.
GET READY FOR THE KSBD ULP STRIKE BY READING THE INFORMATION BELOW — STRIKE PAY, UPT QUESTIONS, AND MORE
Secure your strike benefits by completing your Teamsters Local 1932 Membership Application here.
Where are we at in the legal process?
On Wednesday, Dec. 11th, KSBD workers announced to management that a majority of workers here have signed authorization cards with the Teamsters union. We demand that Amazon recognize our union so that negotiations on a union contract can begin promptly.
Under federal labor law, once workers reach a majority, the employer has a critical two-week period to recognize the union or request an election. If the employer does neither, the National Labor Relations Board may certify the union as the workers' exclusive bargaining representative and order the employer to begin negotiations.
If the employer requests an election and engages in illegal unionbusting activity before it takes place, the National Labor Relations Board can cancel the election, certify the union, and order the employer to negotiate.
Who is in the union at KSBD?
All non-supervisory Ramp, Sort, and Learning Department employees at KSBD will be represented by the Teamsters Union.
Why are we organizing a strike now?
We are preparing a strike in response to Amazon’s Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) during our unionization campaign.
At KSBD, Amazon managers have unlawfully threatened and retaliated against employees because they support the Teamsters, have illegally forced employees to attend anti-union meetings, and have committed many other ULPs.
Our union wants to pressure Amazon to remedy these ULPs and respect the decisions of unionized workers across the country.
Will I be paid while going on strike?
Our union will provide a strike benefit of $1000 per week for workers who participate in the strike and join the picket lines. Strike benefits are considered taxable income by the IRS.
The company will not pay us for the days we don’t work. This enhanced strike benefit is being made available by the Teamsters Union because of how important Amazon workers’ fight for better wages and working conditions is to the entire industry.
How do I receive strike pay?
To sign up to receive the strike pay, you need to fill out a Union Membership Application, which is separate from the Union Authorization card you previously signed. An application is necessary to ensure the union meets proper financial regulations and efficient payment to participants.
When the strike begins, we must show up to the building for picket duty shifts during the strike. If you stay home, you will not receive any strike benefits that day.
Won’t I go negative on UPT and be terminated if I go on strike?
It is illegal for an employer to take away benefits and discipline workers for going on strike. The National Labor Relations Board agrees that Amazon taking away UPT and terminating workers who go negative because they went on strike is a violation of federal law.
We successfully enforced this after the ULP strike by KSBD workers in July 2024. We are committed to protecting our hard-earned UPT through the upcoming strike. Amazon Teamsters will not be bullied for exercising their rights.
Can I get fired for going on strike? Can I be punished?
Federal law guarantees our right to strike.
The employer cannot legally fire or retaliate (for example, denying blue badge conversion) against workers for participating in a strike. Federal law bars employers from permanently replacing workers engaged in an Unfair Labor Practice strike.
Will the Teamsters fine me if I don’t go on strike?
No — the company is again spreading misinformation to confuse, divide, and intimidate workers at KSBD.
If you don’t go on strike, we ask that you stand in solidarity with your fellow Associates striking at KSBD by not crossing the picket line.
What happens on a picket line? What do we do on a strike?
During a strike, we don’t work. Instead, we join our co-workers outside the entrance to our workplace to picket and let the public know what we are fighting for.
Will Amazon workers at other locations be participating?
Yes — Amazon workers across the country are working together to build a powerful, unified strike.
Despite Amazon’s threats, KSBD is a crucial part of a movement that proves the company can’t stop the people who keep its buildings running from coming together for change.
Follow @AmazonTeamsters on social media to see Amazon workers unionizing in other buildings.