Black Friday has grown into one of the most influential consumer moments on the calendar, a day when shoppers chase down deals and discounts with fervor. The surge in buying activity travels beyond borders, sparking conversations about how large employers like Amazon run their operations. This year, the dialogue shifted from purely savings to questions about worker treatment and how the workday is organized in the birthplace of modern e-commerce and across the world, where employees are increasingly asserting their rights.
Across more than 30 countries on five continents, the push for fair labor conditions gained momentum. The movement Make Amazon Pay, supported by UNI Global Union, which connects affiliates in roughly 150 nations, amplified the message: workers deserve a voice at work, reasonable workloads, and fair pay. The campaign highlights not only higher wages but a stronger sense of representation for workers and more equitable corporate practices. Christy Hoffman, a representative cited by union communications, stressed the unity of the effort and the shared goal of dignity on the job (UNI Global Union).
During major multinational campaigns, workers often leverage large shopping events to press for rights and better working conditions. Black Friday originated in the United States to boost post‑Thanksgiving retail activity, yet the phenomenon has expanded far beyond its borders. Amazon’s vast footprint and the visibility of its logistics network have helped carry this trend globally, turning a retail event into a focal point for labor action in many regions (UNI Global Union).
The protest wave against Amazon has drawn particular attention in Europe, home to a large portion of the company’s market. In Germany, where Amazon runs several distribution centers, strikes involved a notable number of workers, with more than a thousand participating. In the Midlands and across the United Kingdom, Coventry experienced a partial slowdown in operations. Similar actions occurred in Italy and Spain, underscoring a broad cross‑border push across major European markets. In response, unions called for a partial pause on Cyber Monday, aligning with the closing days of the Amazon sales period. Earlier and later actions included workers in the United States joining the protests, signaling a coordinated international strategy for labor advocacy (GMB; UNI Global Union).
Better wages and fairer taxation
Amazon employees are raising concerns about what they describe as abuses by the multinational company founded by Jeff Bezos. The demand extends beyond improved wages to include stronger pay equity and timely compensation. Despite reporting growth in annual income, critics argue that the firm uses strategies to minimize tax contributions and limit public funding. The debate frames corporate responsibility and fair taxation within the digital economy (UNI Global Union).
The Make Amazon Pay campaign also calls for a smaller environmental footprint and greater corporate accountability. While Amazon reported a reduction in total pollutant emissions in 2022, unions warn that the pace must accelerate to reach the net‑zero target set for 2040. If trends continue, critics contend, the environmental timeline could stretch well past the intended date (UNI Global Union; GMB and other national unions).
A leading organizer from the British union GMB described the upcoming Friday as potentially the largest day of industrial action in Amazon’s 30‑year history. Company spokespeople have defended the supply chain, arguing that disruptions would be limited and would not impact consumers. The dialogue continues as unions and the company weigh the potential consequences and the broader implications for workers and markets (GMB; UNI Global Union).