Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 1932, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent victories against Amazon, the power of worker solidarity and the ongoing fight for better working conditions. Korgan highlighted the Teamsters' strategy of building worker power, recent successes in challenging Amazon's labor practices and the importance of educating workers about their rights.
The Teamsters' approach to organizing Amazon workers focuses on building collective power through education and direct action. Korgan emphasized the historical importance of workers coming together to withhold their labor, citing examples from the civil rights movement and other social justice causes. He described how Amazon workers have successfully used this strategy, and detailed a historic strike in December that garnered significant media attention and public support. These actions, Korgan said, have led to tangible improvements in working conditions, such as cleaner vans, lighter routes and wage increases at some facilities.
Recent legal victories have bolstered the Teamsters' efforts against Amazon. Korgan discussed how the National Labor Relations Board has issued bargaining orders and filed complaints against Amazon for illegal union-busting activities. He also highlighted successful wage theft claims resulting in back pay for workers. Despite these wins, Korgan acknowledged the ongoing challenge of securing a first contract with Amazon, emphasizing that continued worker solidarity and strategic actions will be necessary to achieve this goal.
Education remains a crucial component of the Teamsters' organizing strategy. Korgan emphasized the importance of educating workers about their rights and the effectiveness of collective action, noting that many are unfamiliar with labor history and the laws that protect their right to organize. He described how social media has become a powerful tool for sharing information and inspiring workers to take action, with videos of successful workplace actions garnering millions of views and spurring similar efforts across the country.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about the Teamsters' ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers and improve working conditions in the logistics industry.
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