JUNE 15, 2023 – PALMDALE – CLUE 84 Amazon drivers walked out of their workplace in a one-day strike today.
The workers, technically employed by Battle-Tested Strategies, in Palmdale, wear Amazon uniforms, drive Amazon trucks, and have their work controlled by Amazon.
The drivers voted to join the Teamsters union in late April and negotiated a contract with BTS that raised wages and guaranteed the right to refuse unsafe work.
In response, Amazon announced it would terminate its contract with BTS (the Amazon delivery subcontractor that directly employs them).
At the end of June, all 84 workers will lose their jobs.
“This is an example of Plantation Capitalism, pure and simple,” said Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez, CLUE’s Executive Director. “These truck drivers are viewed as machines to be exploited for Amazon’s profit. And when they demand to be treated with dignity, Amazon retaliates. It’s not the way that people deserve to be treated.
CLUE joined Yvonne Wheeler and the County Federation of Labor, LAANE, and other community supporters at a rally and one-day strike at the Amazon warehouse in Palmdale.
Rabbi Alan Henkin from Congregation Bet Knesset Bamidbar in Lancaster, delivered the opening prayer as the workers prepared to walk off the job. Workers looked on as strike papers were presented to the warehouse manager who did not accept them. So the papers were left at his feet.
Stay tuned for updates on these courageous workers struggling for justice.
