Amazon Employees Stage Walkout To Protest Return-To-Office Policy, Climate Impact

Hundreds of Amazon employees on Wednesday gathered outside the company's headquarters in Seattle to stage a walkout. The protest aimed to draw attention to two key issues: Amazon's return-to-office policy and its perceived lack of progress in meeting climate goals.

Organised by two employee groups, the demonstration highlighted the discontent surrounding Amazon's decision to require workers to return to the office three days a week.

Employees expressed their frustration, sharing personal stories of how remote work during the pandemic provided them with precious family time and eliminated long commutes. They argued that the company's return-to-office mandate was inequitable and urged Amazon to empower team leaders in deciding work locations.

Moreover, the protest emphasised on Amazon's climate impact and its failure to meet its own environmental goals. Chanting slogans such as "Emissions climbing, time to act," employees called for more urgent action to reduce the company's carbon footprint. They demanded a commitment to achieve zero emissions by 2030, criticising Amazon's current target of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 as insufficient.

The walkout garnered significant participation, with over 1,900 Amazon employees pledging their involvement. Around 900 employees joined the protest in Seattle, while others participated remotely. The demonstration took place in front of the iconic Amazon Spheres, symbolising the company's reliance on fossil fuels for its global shipping operations.

Amazon, in a statement, acknowledged and supported the employees' right to express their opinions. The company had previously stated its intention to deploy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030, but the walkout organisers argued for a more ambitious approach.

While Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser emphasised that transitioning to zero emissions would take time, employee concerns remain unresolved. The walkout coincided with recent cost-cutting measures and layoffs at Amazon, leading to increased scrutiny of the company's practices.