First strike! Amazon's Italian warehouse and delivery staff quit...

It is reported that the day before yesterday, Amazon's warehouse and delivery employees went on strike in Italy to raise concerns about working conditions.

The 24-hour strike took place at several Amazon warehouses in Italy, including in Tuscany , Florence and Pisa. Unions FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti said it was the first national strike affecting Amazon's entire logistics operations in Italy.

The strike comes amid growing tensions between Amazon and its front-line workers in Europe and the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic . Warehouse workers in Italy and elsewhere in Europe went on strike last year, calling on Amazon to implement stricter coronavirus safety measures. Workers across the U.S. also participated in strikes and protests last year to highlight similar concerns.

Additionally, Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama, BHM1, are currently voting on whether to join the Retail , Wholesale and Department Store Union. The union has a stronger foothold in some of Amazon's European workforce, but Amazon has managed to block organizing efforts in the U.S.

FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL and Uiltrasporti called the strike because of what they said was a breakdown in negotiations with Assoespressi, the employers’ association representing last-mile and e-commerce couriers, including some of Amazon’s third-party delivery firms in Italy.

Workers and unions called on Amazon and Assoespressi to discuss issues such as shifts , work rhythms , job security in the event of contract changes, reduced working hours for drivers and job stability for temporary workers.

Salvatore Pellecchia, secretary general of FIT-CISL, said in a statement that 75% of Amazon workers in Italy took part in the strike on Monday . The union expected a smaller turnout because many of the participants were temporary workers who believed the strike could threaten their jobs.

"If Amazon does not change its position, we will be forced to organize another strike, " Pellecchia said in a statement. " Amazon has seen a significant increase in turnover and profits thanks to the pandemic and now must talk to us to give its employees what they need . "

Amazon has rejected FIT-CISL's claim that a large portion of its workers in Italy were on strike. Stuart Jackson, communications director for Amazon's European , Middle Eastern and African operations, said less than 10% of Amazon's 9,500 employees were involved in the action.

“The fact is that Amazon and our network of independent delivery service providers in Italy already offer the strong salaries , excellent benefits and fantastic opportunities for career development that these organizations demand, all in a safe , modern work environment, ” Jackson said.

Representatives for FILT-CGIL and Uiltrasporti did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

However, this strike has seriously affected the efficiency of Amazon warehouses in Italy in handling inventory and transportation, and the workers' demands have not been met. It is unknown when the second strike will come. Sellers in Italy need to pay attention to relevant information in a timely manner and be prepared for cargo storage and transportation.