Amazon warehouse workers at a Staten Island, New York facility have voted to authorize a strike if the company fails to recognize their union and agree to contract negotiations. The move comes as the e-commerce giant prepares for one of its busiest seasons, and could potentially disrupt holiday deliveries.

The workers, represented by the Teamsters union, are seeking better working conditions and pay. According to a press release from Teamsters general president Sean O'Brien, Amazon must agree to bargaining dates by December 15th, which has already passed. If an agreement is not reached, the more than 5,500 workers at the Staten Island (JFK8) fulfillment center, as well as delivery drivers at a Queens (DBK4) last-mile delivery station, may go on strike.

The workers' concerns about working conditions are backed by a recent US Senate Committee report, which found that Amazon's warehouse injury rates were "more than 1.8 times that of other companies in each of the past seven years." Senator Bernie Sanders, who chairs the committee, accused Amazon's executives of prioritizing profits over worker safety.

In response to the union's demands, Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards accused the Teamsters of "intentionally" misleading claims that it represents thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. However, the National Labor Relations Board has previously alleged that Amazon itself broke the law by threatening, surveilling, and interrogating Staten Island workers who were attempting to unionize.

The Staten Island warehouse workers voted to unionize in 2022 and joined the Teamsters in June, followed by drivers working out of the Queens facility in September. Despite this, Amazon has not recognized the unions. As of this writing, the Teamsters has not announced an active strike, but the threat of industrial action remains.

The potential strike highlights the ongoing struggle between Amazon and its workers, who have long complained about poor working conditions and low pay. The company's warehouse injury rates and treatment of workers have been under scrutiny in recent years, and this latest development could put further pressure on Amazon to address these concerns.

The impact of a potential strike on Amazon's operations during the holiday season could be significant. The company relies heavily on its warehouse workers and delivery drivers to meet the surge in demand during this time, and any disruption to these services could result in delayed or cancelled orders.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Amazon will agree to the workers' demands or risk facing a strike. One thing is clear, however: the workers are determined to fight for better working conditions and pay, and are willing to take a stand to achieve their goals.