Strike at Amazon in Germany Just Before Big Sale Day

After a call from the Verdi union, employees of the Amazon online store laid down their work on Monday at several locations in Germany.

The action started at the start of the night shift, according to a union spokesman, and would last until Wednesday.

Verdi had called for a strike at seven branches, without specifying an end date. The union also threatens actions in other branches. The reason is ‘Prime Day’, a discount day from Amazon that is scheduled for Tuesday.

Verdi is demanding more wages for workers, asking that Amazon recognize the trade sector agreement and sign a wage agreement with the union.

Amazon expects that the promotion will not affect customers. According to the American internet shopping giant, all employees receive at least 12 euros per hour, an amount that will increase to 12.50 euros by the fall.

Verdi does not deny this but says that the wage at Amazon is lower than in other similar companies because the American online shopping giant does not pay extra at Christmas, for example.