Make Amazon Pay, a global coalition of more than 80 unions, civil society organizations, environmentalists, and tax controllers convened by the UNI Global Union and Progressive International, is joining forces to show solidarity with the leading members of the Writers Guild of America, East and West, and the (WGA) and union members around the world. The Alliance’s Global Day of Action, Monday, May 15, 2023, aims to support the WGA’s demands for fair pay and better working conditions for writers involved in shows produced by Amazon Studios. In addition, the coalition highlights the ongoing struggles of union members in countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany, who have been fighting for justice and respect for years.
Kristi Hoffman, general secretary of UNI Global, expressed her solidarity with the writers and striking union members, saying: “Writers in the US, along with European warehouse strikers, demonstrate the urgent need for fairness and respect in everything Amazon does. Although different their jobs, yet they are united by common demands, such as a desire for fair pay and a say in how technology shapes their work.As part of the Amazon empowerment movement, we support these workers in their fight for dignity, fair wages, and better working conditions.It’s time to make Amazon pays its editors, its packaging, its window dressing, its drivers, and all of its workers.”
“Global Day of Action led by Make Amazon Pay sends a powerful message: Workers across borders are uniting to demand justice, fair pay and better working conditions. The exploitation of writers and trade unionists within Amazon Studios is just one example of the #MakeAmazonPay coordinator Daniel Cobb told Progressive International:
Screenwriters, as well as union members working for Amazon Studios, are essential contributors to the success of Amazon’s entertainment business. However, they face falling wages and inadequate working conditions, which has sparked strikes and protests around the world. The Make Amazon Pay coalition stands in solidarity with our incredible screenwriters and trade unionists, calling on studios, including Amazon, to recognize the tremendous value their work creates and provide them with the fairer wages, better working conditions, and the respect they deserve.
This Global Action Day encourages individuals and organizations to get involved in a variety of ways. Supporters are encouraged to show their solidarity online by sharing images with printable tags and using the hashtags #MakeAmazonPay, #WGAStrike, and #UnionRights. In addition, supporters can sign the official petition to express their support directly for the WGA and other unions representing Amazon workers.
The Make Amazon Pay Coalition recognizes the interdependence of Amazon’s business practices, which impact business conditions around the world. Through union, workers and their allies can build a powerful movement that transcends borders and industries, calling for dignity, fair wages, better working conditions, and union rights for all.
Make Amazon Pay is calling on individuals, organizations and allies to join Global Action Day on Monday, May 15, 2023. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and demonstrate the collective power of the Make Amazon Pay movement.
For more information on how to get involved in Global Action Day and access resources, please visit https://makeamazonpay.com/its-writers.
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