In today’s news and commentaries, Amazon workers launch strike as Teamsters continue labor contract negotiations, Hyundai supplier terminates Alabama prison labor contract, and Starbucks Workers United baristas authorize strike.

Thousands of Amazon workers at seven facilities are on strike as of Thursday, December 19 as part of an organizing campaign launched by the Teamsters union. The workers at locations in Skokie, Illinois, Southern California, New York City, and Atlanta have joined picket lines after Amazon failed to respond to a Sunday deadline the Teamsters set for contract negotiations. As the holiday season approaches, the Teamsters are calling for the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history as Amazon workers at other facilities prepare to join in the nationwide action.  

Ju-Young, a car-part manufacturer and supplier of Hyundai, ended its labor contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections after facing scrutiny for the company’s use of prison labor. Under the prison labor program in Alabama, thousands of incarcerated persons are compelled to work at private businesses with the risk of disciplinary action and adverse consequences if they refuse. The Alabama prison system collects 40 percent of an inmate’s paycheck, leaving a worker with an effective wage of only a few dollars per hour.

Starbucks Workers United baristas overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike as collective bargaining continues with Starbucks. 98 percent of voting members support initiating a strike, if necessary, to end unfair labor practices, resolve outstanding litigation between workers and Starbucks, and secure fair raises, benefits, and staffing. Bargaining delegates continue to negotiate with Starbucks for a comprehensive agreement. The Starbucks Workers United union represents workers at more than 525 stores across D.C. and 45 states.