What the Amazon Strikes Mean for Workers’ Rights

A long time ago, I read a book about Koch Industries.

One chapter caught my attention: the story of Charles Koch.

Koch inherited his father’s company and renamed it to reflect both his and his dad’s legacy.

His goal was to turn the company into a profitable powerhouse.

But there was a hurdle in his way….

Unions.

How Unions Used to Be

Back then, unions had a reputation for being tough and, at times, aggressive.

Union leaders looked like mob bosses with their slicked-back hair and intimidating negotiation tactics.

If management made decisions that upset workers, unions didn’t hesitate to push back.

The leaders demanded better pay, safer working conditions, and other improvements for their members.

When their demands weren’t met, they protested.

In some cases, they’d halt operations entirely to prove their point.

Charles Koch had to find a way to deal with these unions.

He used a combination of strategies from planting insider agents within unions to negotiating when necessary.

Over time, he reduced their power.

Fast forward to today, and the dynamic between big corporations and unions has changed dramatically.

Corporations no longer fear unions the way they once did, and unions have shifted from being seen as “thugs” to, in some cases, being considered weak.

The Amazon Strikes

During the most recent holiday season, Amazon workers began organizing and protesting.

Their demands?

Higher pay ($30 an hour) and better working conditions.

Many workers complained about poor treatment, unsafe environments, and low wages, which sparked a growing movement.

At first, Amazon tried to downplay the situation.

They claimed that the protests were not from their employees but from workers at a partner company.

However, the partner company pushed back, stating:

“We’re a part of you. We help execute your deliverables. Without us, there’s no Amazon. Plus, we’re wearing your branded shirts too!”

The situation gained widespread attention, and questions began surfacing:

“Will Amazon raise its employees’ wages?”

“Are these working conditions acceptable?”

Some critics argue that the workers are asking for too much, but I disagree.

Making $21 an hour in Florida is one thing, but making the same wage in California is a completely different challenge due to the cost of living.

These Amazon workers are channeling the militant approach of past union leaders to ensure their demands are met.

What’s the Future of Amazon and Its Workers?

The story is still unfolding, and it’s uncertain whether the workers or Amazon will come out on top.

Here’s my prediction:

• I think the workers will eventually win some battles like they’ll likely secure the $30-an-hour pay raise, and working conditions will improve.

However, I believe they’ll win the battle only to lose the war.

Why?

Because Amazon is a massive corporation with the resources to adapt.

After facing public criticism, Amazon might think:

“Why do we need delivery drivers anyway? Why not just automate the process?”

A while back, Amazon introduced the idea of one-day packing and delivery systems using advanced technology.

That idea disappeared temporarily, but I believe they’ll revisit it with greater determination this time.

If workers protest too much, Amazon might accelerate its investments in automation, eventually phasing out many of these jobs.

What I Think About Workers’ Rights

My perspective on workers’ rights has changed over the years.

When I was younger, I used to think, “If upper management tells you to do something, just do it.”

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that both sides, management and workers, have valid points.

During the early stages of my entrepreneurial journey, I had little sympathy for workers, often seeing them as lazy or full of excuses.

But over time, I’ve come to understand that companies like Amazon wouldn’t exist without their operations teams.

Yes, innovation and engineering are essential, but so is the day-to-day work that keeps a business running.

It’s alarming how often Amazon has been accused of poor treatment of workers.

It’s an issue that can no longer be ignored.

From a business perspective, I understand the challenges.

Treat workers too well, and they may take advantage of the system.

Also, budgets are often tight, making it difficult to provide luxurious benefits for everyone.

However, there needs to be a middle ground.

For example, investing in better working conditions and fair pay could foster loyalty and productivity among employees, which benefits everyone in the long run.

For now, I believe Amazon should give workers the $30-an-hour raise if possible.

They should also collaborate with union leaders to strike a fair deal.

If workers stopped delivering packages today, Amazon would come to a standstill.

Often, the true value of someone’s contributions is only realized during their absence.

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