Amazon Workers in India Unite: Black Friday Protests Expose Grueling Conditions and Wage Demands
In an inspiring show of unity, Amazon workers in India joined the global “Make Amazon Pay” campaign during the Black Friday shopping frenzy, protesting against poor wages, grueling working conditions, and a lack of union representation. The movement, which also took place across several countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, highlights the growing frustration among Amazon employees worldwide.
In India’s capital, New Delhi, over 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers gathered under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” Many wore masks of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, an ironic nod to the company’s vast wealth and perceived indifference toward the plight of its workers. Their demands are clear: fair wages, improved working conditions, and recognition of union rights.
As Amazon gears up for one of its busiest shopping weekends of the year, these protests shine a harsh light on the company’s reliance on cheap labor to sustain its global operations, particularly in fast-developing economies like India.
The Crux of the Protest: Low Wages, High Pressure
Indian workers are rallying for what they describe as “basic dignity.” With warehouse employees earning an average monthly salary of just 10,000 rupees (approximately $120), many find it nearly impossible to sustain a decent standard of living. Protesters are demanding that wages be increased to at least 25,000 rupees (approximately $295).
Manish Kumar, a 25-year-old warehouse worker participating in the New Delhi protest, shared his frustrations. “Our basic salary is 10,000 rupees, which is far too little. The work environment is filled with pressure. They expect us to operate like machines, with no regard for our humanity.”
Delivery drivers, the face of Amazon’s commitment to quick service, face their own set of challenges. Drivers are often forced to work excessively long hours to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, with little regard for their health or safety.
The protesters aren’t just asking for better pay—they want an end to the relentless pressure that defines Amazon’s workplace culture.
The Global Movement: A United Front Against Amazon
India’s Black Friday protests are part of a larger international campaign targeting Amazon. Workers around the world are coming together under the “Make Amazon Pay” banner, demanding that the company:
- Raise Wages: Workers want wages that reflect the rising cost of living and Amazon’s extraordinary profits. The company posted $134 billion in revenue in Q3 of 2023, yet workers say their wages remain stagnant.
- Improve Working Conditions: Protesters are calling for adequate breaks, better safety measures, and relief from the extreme workload pressures many face in warehouses and delivery roles.
- Respect Union Rights: Employees are demanding the right to organize and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation.
- Commit to Sustainability: Activists are urging Amazon to reduce its environmental impact, an issue workers say is intertwined with labor practices.
These demands highlight a growing movement to hold Amazon accountable for its treatment of workers and its environmental impact.
The Gig Economy and Worker Exploitation in India
India’s booming gig economy, fueled by rapid technological growth and a young labor force, has become a double-edged sword. While companies like Amazon offer employment opportunities to millions, they often operate with minimal labor protections.
Amazon, which has expanded aggressively in India to capitalize on the country’s growing e-commerce market, is emblematic of this trend. Workers frequently report being pushed to their physical and mental limits without adequate compensation or safeguards.
India’s National Human Rights Commission has even intervened. In June 2023, the commission issued a notice to Amazon India after reports surfaced that workers were being forced to work without breaks during the scorching summer months. The allegations painted a troubling picture: employees collapsing from heat exhaustion while the company denied any wrongdoing.
The government’s response has been limited so far, but protests like those in New Delhi are putting renewed pressure on authorities to address these systemic issues.
Workers’ Stories: The Hidden Cost of Convenience
For customers, Amazon represents the ultimate convenience: quick deliveries, competitive prices, and a vast selection of products. But behind this convenience is a workforce stretched to its breaking point.
Many warehouse employees in India work 10- to 12-hour shifts, lifting heavy packages and meeting tight deadlines. In some cases, missing a performance target could mean losing a day’s pay—or worse, their job.
Delivery drivers fare no better. They navigate congested city streets and extreme weather conditions, often working late into the night to meet Amazon’s delivery guarantees. Drivers report skipping meals and breaks to avoid delays, with any deviation from their schedule risking penalties.
“We are the backbone of Amazon’s success,” said one delivery driver in New Delhi. “But instead of being appreciated, we are treated like disposable tools.”
Related: Amazon's AWS Chief Issues Bold Message on In-Office Work: "Find Another Job" If You Disagree
Amazon’s Silence and History of Labor Issues
Despite the global scale of these protests, Amazon India has yet to issue a statement addressing workers’ concerns. Historically, the company has insisted that it provides competitive wages and safe working conditions. However, critics argue that these claims don’t align with reality.
Amazon’s resistance to unions has also drawn criticism. In the United States, the company has been accused of using aggressive tactics to quash unionization efforts, from surveillance of employee organizing to mandatory anti-union meetings. Workers in India and elsewhere are now demanding that Amazon end these practices and allow employees to collectively bargain.
Protests Beyond India: A Global Reckoning for Amazon
India’s protests are just one chapter in the growing global resistance to Amazon’s labor practices. In Germany, workers at several warehouses went on strike, demanding fair wages and improved contracts. In the United States, employees protested outside Amazon’s Seattle headquarters, while demonstrations in Japan and Brazil further amplified the message.
The “Make Amazon Pay” campaign isn’t just about wages—it’s a call for systemic change. From climate activists to labor unions, the movement unites diverse groups demanding that Amazon prioritize people and the planet over profits.
What’s Next for Amazon Workers?
The Amazon India Workers Union has vowed to keep the momentum going. Leaders have announced plans to submit a memorandum of demands to Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the government to take action against the company’s exploitative practices.
For Amazon, the stakes are high. The company’s ability to maintain its reputation as a trusted global brand may depend on how it responds to these growing demands for accountability.
A Broader Call for Justice
The Black Friday protests signal a turning point in the fight for workers’ rights, not just at Amazon but across the gig economy. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on rapid delivery services, the human cost of this convenience is becoming harder to ignore.
Whether these protests will result in tangible changes remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: workers in India and around the world are no longer willing to suffer in silence. From New Delhi to New York, they are standing up, demanding fairness, dignity, and respect.
