AMAZON ON NOTICE: TEAMSTERS APPLAUD SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION
AMAZON ON NOTICE: TEAMSTERS APPLAUD SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION
Somerville City Council joined the Boston City Council in urging that Amazon meet area standards for wages, benefits & safe working conditions prior to any expansion.
Somerville City Council members unanimously passed a resolution aimed at the questionable safety record and unacceptable poor treatment of workers by shipping giant Amazon tonight.
“The Resolution for Fair and Full Employment Opportunities at Amazon” was introduced by City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin in response to public safety and economic concerns during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and approved by an 11-0 vote. The non-binding resolution urges that prior to any expansion into Somerville, Amazon must conform to area standards for wages, benefits and safe working conditions, and to confer with the Somerville community, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25, neighborhood groups and other interested parties.
“Amazon is among the world’s richest corporations but refuses to meet the high standards we have for workers in Somerville,” said Sean O’Brien, Teamsters Local 25 President and Joint Council 10 Secretary-Treasurer. “Drivers are true heroes of the pandemic, putting themselves and their families at risk for all of us. Teamsters delivery drivers are highly-skilled, well-trained professionals who are paid well and have quality healthcare and retirement benefits. These proud drivers contribute to the fabric of this great City. Amazon prefers to pay low wages and provide no benefits to untrained independent contractors who are not subjected to proper criminal background checks. The Somerville City Council deserves the highest praise for making it clear to Amazon that any delivery work in this City is to be performed by safe, professional drivers who are full-time employees with benefits.”
“Somerville is a union town. It’s also a town that uses Amazon a lot,” said Somerville City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin. “We need to ensure that Amazon fits our community standards and appreciates our patronage not only with the products they deliver, but by ensuring the people who deliver those products are treated fairly.”
Thanks to the entire Somerville City Council for passing the resolution.
