The Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI) and the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) are urging the public to steer clear of Amazon this holiday season. This call to action comes after Amazon shut down multiple distribution centers in Quebec, resulting in 4,500 people losing their jobs.
Activists from CTI and CSN hit the streets of downtown Montreal on Black Friday to hand out flyers, urging shoppers to opt for local businesses over Amazon. A press conference held in front of Quebec’s Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet’s office highlighted the lack of government intervention in the aftermath of the closures, exacerbating the challenges faced by affected families.
Bertrand Guibord, president of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain-CSN, stressed the ongoing nature of the boycott, emphasizing the need for solidarity. Guibord condemned Amazon for disregarding Quebec labor laws and thwarting unionization efforts among its workers, resulting in widespread layoffs affecting not only unionized employees but also their families.
Guibord pointed out the alleged retaliatory actions taken by Amazon against unionized workers, calling for accountability and adherence to labor laws. The protest sought to apply pressure on both Amazon and the government to address the impact of the closures and ensure justice for the affected workers.
Mostafa Henaway, a community organizer for the ITC, highlighted the plight of the displaced workers, many of whom are struggling to secure new employment in a challenging job market. He shed light on the difficulties faced by former Amazon employees, including potential blacklisting and reduced pay at subcontractors taking over Amazon’s operations.
The protest’s timing on one of the busiest online shopping days aimed to draw attention to the ongoing repercussions of Amazon’s actions and to urge the government to take concrete steps to support the affected workers. Félix Trudeau, president of the Syndicat des travailleuses et travailleurs d’Amazon Laval-CSN, underscored the continued hardships faced by laid-off workers and criticized the government for failing to provide adequate job search assistance.
The CTI and CSN reiterated their call for a boycott of Amazon, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses during the holiday season and standing up for workers’ rights.
