Amazon employees stage a walkout amidst return to office mandate

Over the past few years, Amazon hasn’t had the best relationship with its employees, thanks in part due to the mass layoffs and poor working conditions. Now, in a powerful display of discontent, thousands of Amazon employees across the globe staged a walkout on Wednesday to protest against the company’s recent return-to-office mandate, layoffs, and environmental track record.

The walkout was spearheaded by the group Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, and over 1,000 employees gathered outside the Spheres, the iconic glass domes that serve as Amazon’s Seattle headquarters. Against the backdrop of office towers, employees held signs with messages such as “Amazon, strive harder” and “Earth’s best employer? Stop the PR and listen to us.” Additionally, speakers from both employee groups voiced their concerns about Amazon’s decision to mandate a return to the office for at least three days per week, and they also shared stories highlighting the benefits of remote work.

Environmental impact

According to the employees, this walkout also represents the company’s failures in meeting its climate commitments. This is because, despite launching a “Climate Pledge” plan, Amazon’s most recent sustainability report revealed a 40% increase in carbon emissions between 2019 and 2021. Moreover, employees also allege that the company underestimates its carbon footprint by not counting emissions from the products it buys from manufacturers and sells directly to consumers.

Eliza Pan, a co-founder of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, emphasized the significance of the walkout, stating, “We still want a say in the important decisions that affect all of our lives, and tech workers are going to stand up for ourselves, for each other, for our families, the communities where Amazon operates, and for life on planet Earth.”

Mounting frustrations

While Amazon mandated the return to the office a few months ago, this employee action comes at a time when the company recently concluded a round of layoffs and is facing economic challenges with slowing retail sales. As a result, many employees fear that more job cuts are imminent, causing widespread panic. However, it’s important to note that Amazon has yet to issue an official comment in response to the walkout and the concerns expressed by its employees.