Episode 81: Chris Smalls on Unionizing Amazon

Chris Smalls returns to The Checkout to discuss the latest efforts to gain better wages, working conditions and collective bargaining rights at Amazon.

Chris Smalls is a whistleblower and former Amazon supervisor in New York City. Chris was fired at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic for standing up for worker safety and better company communication around Covid-19. He has since worked tirelessly to organize his coworkers and create positive change in the rapidly growing fulfillment and logistics sector.

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Episode #81 Notes

0:30 - How did you start at Amazon, and what led to your dismissal?

3:00 - How did your unionizing efforts lead to the work you do now?

4:15 - What is your critique of Amazon and how they treat employees?

5:30 - What is the Amazon Labor Union, it’s goals, and how it came about?

6:45 - On organizing and recruitment tactics.

9:30 - How has Amazon responded to your organizing tactics?

12:00 - What do we need to build a logistics system that’s fair, just, and equitable?

13:30 - What are the benefits of employees having and contributing to a union?

16:00 - Closing thoughts.