Spanish Amazon Workers: In a move that could impact holiday deliveries, approximately 160 workers at Amazon’s logistics center in Trapagaran, located in the Basque country, are planning a three-day strike from January 3 to 5. The strike, organized by the LAB union, is part of the ongoing push for higher wages, with workers demanding pay increases that outpace the projected 3% per year until 2025.
The Trapagaran facility, which handles parcels for the Basque country, Burgos, and Cantabria, has become a focal point for labor disputes, reflecting broader concerns about working conditions and compensation within the e-commerce giant.
LAB union leader Gotzon Mardarats emphasized the need for wage adjustments aligned with inflation. “We want wage increases in line with inflation. Pay rises that are higher than the 3% per year forecast until 2025,” Mardarats stated.
This upcoming strike follows a similar action that commenced on a weekend, causing disruption to operations. About 90% of the center’s workforce participated in the previous strike, resulting in delays for around 20,000 parcels, according to the union leader.
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Amazon, responding to inquiries, asserted that employees at the Trapagaran center already receive competitive wages and benefits. The company, however, continues to face criticism and challenges related to worker rights and conditions at various locations globally.
In Spain, the timing of the strike holds particular significance, considering the cultural tradition of celebrating Epiphany on January 6. On this Christian feast day, Spanish children receive holiday gifts, making it a crucial period for online retailers dealing with increased demand for deliveries.
As the tension between Amazon and its workers persists, with ongoing discussions about the treatment of employees, the upcoming strike underscores the broader challenges facing the e-commerce giant in maintaining labor relations amid its rapid global expansion.