Chris Smalls is a former Amazon employee turned labor activist who rose to national prominence after organizing a walkout at a Staten Island fulfillment center in 2020 to demand greater COVID-19 safety measures. As the President and Co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, Smalls has...
Chris Smalls is a former Amazon employee turned labor activist who rose to national prominence after organizing a walkout at a Staten Island fulfillment center in 2020 to demand greater COVID-19 safety measures. As the President and Co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, Smalls has become a vocal advocate for the rights of Amazon workers, consistently challenging the e-commerce giant's labor practices and working conditions.
Smalls first gained attention during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when he voiced concerns about the lack of safety precautions at Amazon facilities. He organized a walkout at the Staten Island fulfillment center, leading dozens of workers to demand hazard pay, paid time off, and the temporary closure of the facility for deep cleaning. His outspoken advocacy for worker safety and fair treatment during the pandemic drew widespread media attention and sparked a national conversation about the treatment of essential workers.
After being fired by Amazon for his role in organizing the walkout, Smalls became a vocal critic of the company and its CEO, Jeff Bezos. He accused Amazon of retaliating against him for speaking out and filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and defamation. His termination and subsequent legal battle further cemented his status as a leading voice in the fight for workers' rights at Amazon and beyond.
In response to the challenges faced by Amazon workers, Smalls co-founded the Amazon Labor Union to provide a platform for employees to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and job security. The union aims to give a voice to Amazon workers who feel marginalized and powerless in the face of the e-commerce giant's immense influence and resources. Under Smalls' leadership, the union has sought to build solidarity among Amazon workers and hold the company accountable for its treatment of employees.
As President of the Amazon Labor Union, Smalls has continued to push for change within the company, advocating for the unionization of Amazon facilities and organizing protests and strikes to demand better working conditions. His efforts have garnered support from labor activists, politicians, and fellow Amazon employees, shining a spotlight on the power dynamics at play within the company and the broader labor movement.
Overall, Chris Smalls' journey from a rank-and-file employee to a prominent labor activist and union leader represents a powerful example of grassroots organizing and the importance of standing up for workers' rights. His fearless advocacy for Amazon employees and his unwavering commitment to holding the company accountable for its labor practices have made him a key figure in the ongoing debate about the treatment of workers in the digital age. As the President of the Amazon Labor Union, Smalls continues to be a leading voice for the rights of Amazon workers, fighting to create a fair and equitable work environment for all employees.
