Amazon Worker Ends 40-Day Hunger Strike Over Alleged Emergency Services Policy

Italo Medelius, a 32-year-old union worker from Durham, North Carolina, ended his 40-day hunger strike on September 2, 2026. He had been protesting Amazon's work conditions and the company's alleged unwritten policy discouraging workers from calling 9-1-1 in emergency situations.

Medelius, who has worked for Amazon for four years, started his hunger strike in July. He claims that he was motivated by the death of an Amazon co-worker earlier this year, who fell ill while at work but did not receive proper medical attention due to Amazon's alleged policy.

The union worker says that despite his efforts to negotiate with Amazon through petitions and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) elections, the company has ignored workers' concerns. He also claims that Amazon executives have been unresponsive to public pressure.

Medelius was recently elected as president of CAUSE, the Carolina Amazonian United for Solidarity and Empowerment labor union. An Amazon spokesperson states that Medelius does not currently work for the company and was terminated in June 2026.