June 5, 2023
Hundreds of Amazon employees walked out of work to demand a more flexible remote work policy and a firm commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The walkout was coordinated by Amazon staff for Climate Justice and staff opposed to the mandatory return to work.
The walkout organizers estimated that over 1,000 employees participated in the Seattle action, with over 2,000 vowing to join internationally. However, Amazon denies these figures, claiming that just 300 workers participated.
Amazon Employees for Climate Justice pushed Amazon to provide its carbon emissions statistics in 2019. This resulted in Amazon’s pledge to the Climate Pledge and its aims of renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions.
Nonetheless, recent moves, such as secretly removing from its website the aim of attaining net-zero carbon emissions for 50% of its shipments by 2030, have sparked worries among staff. The announcement of this adjustment, which came after the walkout plans were disclosed, encouraged staff to join the protest.
Brad Glasser, an Amazon representative, reiterated the company’s objective of being “net carbon zero by 2040.” He acknowledged the difficulties presented by Amazon’s power usage, shipping requirements, packaging requirements, and physical assets. Glasser affirmed that Amazon is on track to achieve its goal of using 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. He also stated that the organization would continue to invest and collaborate both within and internationally to achieve its goals.
The sources for this piece include an article in DataCenterKnowledge.
