#United States #Amazon #Teamsters #KSBD #San Bernardino

Teamsters Lead Historic Strike at KSBD Air Hub

On December 21, 2024, workers from the KSBD air hub in San Bernardino, California, marked a significant moment in labor history by joining a massive strike against Amazon, a corporation valued at an astounding $2 trillion. At exactly 12 p.m. PST, these Teamsters united with their fellow workers across the country in a coordinated effort to demand fair treatment, better wages, and improved working conditions.

The strike, which is no small feat, represents the largest labor action against Amazon in U.S. history. Thousands of Teamsters participated by striking at various locations, including key facilities in New York City, Atlanta, and several places in Southern California. Across the nation, Amazon workers are picketing at numerous facilities, echoing similar demands — an end to the corporation's notorious labor practices.

Sean M. O'Brien, General President of the Teamsters Union, articulated the resolve of the striking workers, stating, "These workers have the courage to face down a giant and the conviction to demand what they've rightfully earned. No matter how hard Amazon tries to hold them down, our members' spirits are strong and will never be broken."

Despite Amazon's immense wealth, the company's treatment of its workers has come under fire, particularly concerning safety practices and wages. The Teamsters represent almost 10,000 Amazon employees across ten different warehouses and delivery stations, and frustration has reached a boiling point. Workers vocally express that they have been left with no choice but to strike due to Amazon's refusal to negotiate a labor agreement, an act that the union has labeled as illegal and unethical.

Ayden Huett, a KSBD employee, expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, “We don't want to be on the picket line this close to the holidays, but Amazon left us no other option. Amazon has shown time and again that they will not improve how they treat us unless we fight. And that's exactly what we're doing.”

This strike is particularly crucial as KSBD serves as Amazon's largest air hub on the West Coast, employing over 1,000 unionized workers. This location is vital for Amazon's operations, yet workers like Tobias Cheng argue that the rewards do not match the risks. Cheng noted, “For how much we do for this company, we deserve higher pay, better benefits, and safer work conditions.”

The members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have a long-standing history, founded in 1903, representing more than 1.3 million dedicated individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their ongoing campaign against Amazon is not just about labor rights for those directly employed but signals a larger movement advocating for fair labor practices in the retail and logistics sectors.

As the strike continues to gain momentum, workers are steadfast in their resolve. They are collectively demonstrating that when pushed too far by corporate greed, they will stand united and fight back. Teamsters at the KSBD air hub are not only paving the way for better conditions for themselves but are also inspiring countless workers across the nation to demand respect and fair treatment in the workplace. The outcome of this historic strike may well reshape the future of labor practices in America.

For more information and updates on the strike, visit Teamster.org and follow their social media channels to stay engaged with this pivotal moment in labor history.