Thousands of Amazon workers at seven facilities across four states began a strike early Thursday, marking a significant labor action just days before the holiday season. Organized by the Teamsters union, the strike targets facilities in New York, Illinois, Georgia, and California, as workers demand higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

Union leaders accuse Amazon of prioritizing profits over people, citing the company’s record-breaking $39.2 billion net income this year, more than double its earnings in 2023. Workers, many of whom deliver packages in Amazon-branded vans and uniforms, argue that the company’s use of third-party contractors is a strategy to avoid negotiating directly with employees. “It’s people over profits,” said one driver, highlighting the financial struggles many face despite Amazon’s massive revenues.

Amazon, which disputes the union’s claims, maintains that the strike will not disrupt operations. The company has also refused to recognize the Teamsters as representatives of its workers, calling the union’s efforts a publicity stunt. The union hopes the timing of the strike, just before Christmas and Hanukkah, will apply maximum pressure on Amazon to address worker demands or risk losing business during the holiday rush.

The duration of the strike remains uncertain, with union leaders indicating it will extend beyond one day. This labor action underscores the growing tensions between Amazon and its workforce as employees push for stronger labor rights at one of the world’s largest and most profitable corporations.