More often than not, the only way to get justice is not through the courts, but by kicking bullies where it counts – the bottom line. The Daily Dot reports that a coalition of 70 TikTokers did just that by posting an open letter to Amazon via Twitter demanding better treatment of its workers. Combined, these top social media influencers have over 51 million followers, and according to their “People Over Prime Pledge”, they will demonetize their accounts unless Amazon meets their demands. This includes “all direct Amazon sponsorships and use of Amazon’s storefront”.
It’s no secret that Amazon’s treatment of its employees is suspect at the very least, but Amazon didn’t become a mammoth conglomerate by treating employees like human beings. Working conditions have been an issue for a long time, which provoked employees to push for unionization, but Amazon wasn’t having it and repeatedly engaged in union busting.
Elise Joshi, a 20-year-old TikToker and Deputy Executive Director for “Gen-Z for Change,” posted the #PeopleOverPrime pledge, “We are calling on Amazon to listen to their workers and make tangible changes to their workplace environment,” letter says in part.
Some of the requested changes include:
• A $30 minimum wage
• Two paid 30-minute breaks and an hour-long paid lunch break
• Additional paid time off
• Eliminating productivity rates
• Better medical leave
• A complete halt of any and all union-busting tactics
Recently, 160 employees walked off the job at Amazon’s KSBD air hub in San Bernardino, California. The frustrated workers had endured 95-degree weather for over 24 days without the ability to take breaks to cool off. Inland Empire Amazon Workers United said via Twitter, “It is the heart of our country’s supply chain, and it is made possible by hundreds of thousands of working people like us.” Their grievances are also due to poor wages that mostly go towards rent.
The TikTok coalition asserts, “TikTok has 1 billion monthly active users. Unless changes are made, we will prevent Amazon from monetizing one of the largest social media platforms in the world.”
Dil Bole Oberoi
