Amazon union members invite themselves at a CNESST symposium

“Amazon doesn't respect the law on severance pay!” exclaims Félix Trudeau, president of the Amazon Laval Union, on the steps in front of the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Today, he and a few union activists went to impose themselves on a CNESST medical colloquium to inform officials of what they denounce as a “grave injustice.”

The Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail is the body responsible for enforcing the law guaranteeing compensation in the event of mass dismissal. But, according to Mr. Trudeau, “Hundreds of drivers are not receiving any severance pay.”

At around 11:45 a.m., union activists made their way to the exit of the hall in which the event was being held. As the civil servants started to leave for lunch, the activists handed out leaflets explaining their situation while encouraging them to ask for an investigation into their case.

Most of those who received the leaflet seemed very interested, and a few were able to chat with the activists. However, organizers and security quickly intervened to prevent the activists from sharing their problems. Officers escorted them to the exit.

Speaking to The North Star, the union's president explained that “Amazon is using its subcontracting companies [which hire the drivers] to disguise the true number of employees laid off. Through this scam, the American multinational hopes to avoid paying us all the money it owes us. The CNESST must investigate the true number of employees in all Amazon warehouses in Quebec.”

“We have begun filing massive complaints with the commission for this breach of our rights,” he adds. “We are asking the CNESST to treat these complaints as a priority and to deal with them collectively. Amazon's 4,700 layoffs must be recognized for what they are: a social crisis that demands a rapid and proportional response.”

Amazon workers, both unionized and non-unionized, have multiplied their actions since the announcement of the closure of all Quebec warehouses. They are demanding compensation of one year's salary with benefits, and that Amazon reimburse all the public money it has received. They denounce the giant's attack as an attack on the entire Quebec working class.

Mr. Trudeau concludes: “The right of association is a fundamental right. Apparently, Amazon doesn't recognize it, and neither does the government. We have the right to fight for better conditions, and if they won't give it to us, we'll take it ourselves.”