The public sector union ver.di claimed Amazon (AMZN.O) warehouse workers in Leipzig, Germany, began a 48-hour walkout on Monday to demand greater salaries.
The workers want a collective labor agreement with a 12-month wage raise of 2.5 euros ($2.73) per hour, a 250-euro wage increase for apprentices, and company-binding terms.
The ver.di union, which launched the walkout, dubbed Amazon’s offer of a 3% wage raise for the first year “a slap in the face.”
Amazon said strikes don’t affect its operations because it offers “some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world” for its employees, “with competitive pay, processes, and systems to ensure their well-being and safety.”
“The converted starting wage in Germany is 13 euros gross per hour upwards (in Leipzig 13.43), including bonus payments,” the world’s largest online store said.
