Amazon Drivers in Southern California Unionize for Better Wages and Job Security
Over 500 Amazon drivers in Southern California have joined Teamsters Local 396, demanding the company recognize their union and start negotiations. The drivers, working at the DCX7 and DDO6 facilities in Torrance, marched on management to press their demands for better wages, job security, and relief from what they call inhumane quotas.
The drivers are organizing to address what they describe as substandard wages compared to similar work, as well as inconsistent scheduling. Despite a 30% increase in Amazon’s profits this year, the company only offered some workers a $1 per hour raise, which the drivers say is insufficient given the high cost of living in the region.
Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, praised the drivers' courage in unionizing, stating that the movement is growing because workers are tired of earning poverty wages while Amazon profits. The drivers join over 10,000 Amazon workers nationwide who have already unionized with the Teamsters to push for better working conditions.
Morgan Miller, a driver at the DCX7 facility, emphasized that the drivers deserve respect and basic protections, while Kevin Olea-Martinez, a driver at DDO6, highlighted the need to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet due to Amazon's wage policies.