As Amazon workers at multiple U.S. facilities begin striking, Canadian consumers wonder whether their online shopping experience will be impacted. Given Amazon’s vast global operations, a strike in the U.S. could cause ripples that affect deliveries, including those bound for Canadian customers. Here’s a closer look at how this labour action might affect Amazon’s operations in Canada and what it could mean for shoppers north of the border.
What Led to the Strike?
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing roughly 10,000 Amazon workers in the U.S., initiated the strike. The union announced the strike at seven major Amazon facilities starting Thursday morning. This labour action comes after the Teamsters’ contract negotiation deadline of December 15, 2024, was not met. While these workers represent only a tiny fraction of Amazon’s massive workforce—around 1.5 million employees globally—the strike has raised concerns over its potential to disrupt operations, especially at critical distribution points across the U.S.
Teamsters have dubbed the strike the most significant action against Amazon in U.S. history. Employees from several Amazon Fulfillment Centers joined picket lines. Workers have been advocating for better working conditions and improved labour contracts. They claim that Amazon should recognise and negotiate with workers over fair pay, benefits, and job security as a major employer.
Potential Impact on Canadian Shoppers
Canadian consumers may wonder how a strike affecting Amazon’s U.S. workforce could influence their shopping experience. According to Amazon Canada, there should be little to no direct impact on deliveries within Canada. The company explained that most items ordered by Canadian customers are either stocked in Amazon’s Canadian warehouses or shipped directly from other countries, minimising the chance of delays due to U.S. labour actions.
In a statement to CTVNews.ca, Kelly Nantel, Amazon Canada’s national spokesperson, emphasised that the strike only affects a small subset of workers. The strike targets workers employed by Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), third-party businesses providing Amazon with delivery services. These DSPs are independent contractors, not Amazon employees, and as such, Amazon has denied that these workers are part of its official workforce. The company also clarified that operations in Canada continued as usual, with no disruption expected to the country’s supply chain or fulfilment centres.
The Role of Delivery Service Partners (DSPs)
One of the key points in this labour dispute is the classification of delivery drivers employed by DSPs. Amazon has long relied on small, third-party businesses to handle last-mile deliveries. These DSPs employ drivers who deliver Amazon orders, and they set their own pay and working conditions, which has been a source of controversy. While Amazon oversees the logistics of delivery and sets some expectations for delivery times, the workers themselves are not direct employees of the company. This distinction is at the heart of the union’s argument that Amazon should take responsibility for the conditions of these drivers, as it exercises significant control over their work duties.
In September 2024, Amazon raised compensation for its DSPs in response to increasing pressure and growing labour disputes, aiming to improve delivery drivers’ earnings. However, the Teamsters Union has maintained that Amazon’s role in controlling the delivery process makes it an employer of the drivers. As such, they should be held accountable for their treatment.
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Will There Be Delays?
While Amazon Canada has assured that operations are unaffected, some delays are still possible depending on where the goods are shipped. Amazon’s extensive network spans Canada and the U.S.; if products come from a U.S. warehouse, the strike may cause some disruptions. For example, packages that need to pass through U.S.-based fulfilment centres before reaching Canada could experience delays due to worker actions at these facilities. However, Amazon has stressed that these delays would likely be minimal, indicating that it is doing everything possible to ensure customers receive their holiday orders on time.
Shoppers should note that Amazon’s Canadian operations involve a mix of inventory sources, with many items stocked in local fulfilment centres. For most Canadian shoppers, the strike is unlikely to significantly impact their immediate delivery experience, mainly if their items are shipped from within Canada or international fulfilment centres outside the strike zone.
The Union’s Position
In contrast, the Teamsters union insists that Amazon should be held accountable for the working conditions of DSP drivers and that the company has failed to negotiate a fair contract for its workers. The union’s fight centres on worker classification and the push for better pay, benefits, and job security. Union leaders argue that Amazon’s influence over DSPs makes the company an employer and should be subject to the same labour laws and responsibilities as any other large corporation.
In addition, the Teamsters have warned that the strike will continue until Amazon agrees to negotiate and address the workers’ demands for better labour conditions. The union has vowed to expand the strike to additional Amazon facilities if the company does not deal well.
Conclusion
Canadian Amazon shoppers can expect to continue their usual online shopping experience with minimal disruption. While the strike is significant and may impact U.S.-based operations, Amazon’s assurances suggest that Canadian deliveries will not be substantially affected; Canadians should stay informed about potential delays as the strike unfolds, particularly for items shipped from U.S. warehouses or fulfilment centres.
With Amazon continuing its efforts to keep operations running smoothly, shoppers may not notice much difference. Still, the ongoing labour dispute could serve as a reminder of the challenges facing workers in the gig economy and the more significant e-commerce industry.
