Thousands of Amazon delivery drivers, employed by third-party contractors, have gone on strike across seven hubs in the United States, including Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. The strike, which began during the peak holiday season, is a response to Amazon's refusal to negotiate with the Teamsters Union, which represents the drivers.

The strike is a culmination of the drivers' efforts to unionize and gain recognition from Amazon. According to a Teamsters press release, the drivers are protesting Amazon's "repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters." The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint against Amazon earlier this year, stating that Amazon and one of its third-party contractors are joint employers of delivery drivers and have a legal duty to recognize and bargain with the Teamsters Union.

The strike has significant implications for Amazon's operations during the holiday season, with the potential to disrupt delivery services and impact customer satisfaction. The Teamsters Union has stated that its local unions are putting up primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, with other Amazon Teamsters "prepared to join them." This widespread action demonstrates the drivers' determination to gain recognition and fair treatment from Amazon.

Amazon, however, has denied the allegations, claiming that the Teamsters Union is "intentionally misleading the public" and does not represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that the union has "actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union." The company has not provided further comment on the strike.

The strike highlights the ongoing struggle of gig economy workers to gain recognition and fair treatment from tech giants. As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, the rights and working conditions of its workers will remain a pressing concern. The outcome of this strike will have significant implications for the future of labor relations in the tech industry.

In the meantime, the strike is expected to continue, with the Teamsters Union and Amazon delivery drivers remaining resolute in their demands for recognition and fair treatment. As the holiday season reaches its peak, the impact of the strike on Amazon's operations and customer satisfaction will be closely watched.

The story will be updated as more information becomes available.