Amazon workers, in collaboration with Teamster’s union and other allies, rallied and picketed outside Amazon’s SWF1 warehouse in Rock Tavern last Monday, November 27, protesting against the company for better wages, safety protocols and treatment. The rally featured a picket line, Teamster’s trucks and an inflatable pig representing the company.

“The Hudson Valley is expensive, and we can’t afford decent housing on Amazon’s low wages,” said Thomas Walsh, a worker from SWF1. “I shouldn’t have to choose which bills to pay each month and I can’t imagine how tough it is for those with families. This trillion-dollar company can afford to pay us more.”

“Amazon is driving down wages and working conditions across our industries,” said Dan Maldonado, president of Teamsters Local 445 who supported SWF1’s workers. “Teamsters are standing with Amazon workers because we will all rise or fall together. If workers across the industry are united, we will win this fight.”

SWF1’s workers weren’t alone in these efforts; Amazon workers across the country protested for better rights during Cyber Monday, the company’s busiest and most dangerous day for its workforce.

“We are fed up with Amazon putting its packages ahead of our safety,” said Keith Williams, another worker from SWF1. “We are rallying and practice picketing today to show Amazon that we are the ones who make this company so valuable, and we deserve respect.”

For SWF1’s warehouse, workers face frequent risk of injury during the packaging and distribution processes. According to data from the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the warehouse’s injury rate in 2022 was 6.3 injuries for every 100 full-time workers, and nearly all these injuries caused workers to miss days and lose hours.

“Amazon violates New York’s Warehouse Worker Protection Act every day and specifically they are unclear about the unreasonable rates they make us work through,” said Taina Dominguez, another worker from SWF1. “With Cyber Monday and the holiday shopping season here, we are in danger unless we stand together and force Amazon to put our safety first.”

Through their efforts over the last several months, SWF1’s workers have achieved a few positive changes in their warehouse, including pay during certain facility closures, representation at disciplinary meetings, and interference prevention during breaks. But they’re not done just yet, and these workers will continue protesting until SFW1’s warehouse becomes a safer, more well-paying workplace.

“We’re proud to support SWF1United as they rally and practice picket for pay increases and safer working conditions,” said Brahvan Ranga, political director of For the Many, another group that supported SWF1’s workers.

“Amazon warehouse workers have been mistreated and exploited for far too long. History shows us that workers win when they organize and we will continue to stand with Amazon workers and the Teamsters as they take on Jeff Bezos and his greed.”

Amazon officials did not respond to requests for comment.