Amid the holiday rush, Amazon delivery drivers are staging strikes in four states across the U.S., and the reasons are alarming: long hours, excessive workloads, and insufficient support.

Delivery drivers report dealing with an overwhelming average of 400 packages per day, which can stretch their workdays to grueling 12 hours with minimal breaks.

Despite Amazon’s assurances that the strike will not affect holiday deliveries, the drivers are hopeful that their protests will draw attention and lead to real change at the massive corporation.

They are not just advocating for improved wages and working conditions, but are also pressing for recognition as Amazon employees, contrary to the company's current classification of them as contracted workers via third-party “Delivery Service Partners”.

Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, states that the company takes pride in its Delivery Service Partner program, which has reportedly generated 390,000 driving jobs and raised substantial revenue.

However, drivers like Thomas Hickman from Georgia, who recently reported a leg injury due to the demanding nature of the job, argue that their compensation and healthcare benefits are not commensurate with their workloads.

“I love this job, but it’s simply too much,” Hickman expressed. “I want to see improvements in the way we are treated, from pay to having adequate help on the road.”

Amazon claims that drivers have sufficient break time, typically an hour divided into segments, and asserts that their routing technology enables most drivers to complete deliveries on time or even early.

However, many drivers highlight a system that prioritizes speed over safety, often leading them to choose between their well-being and job security.

Samantha Thomas, another driver, echoes this sentiment, advocating for corporate reform to better support those delivering packages day in and day out.

“We want a sense of care and recognition from the company so we can do the best job possible for our customers,” she shared.

Ash’shura Brooks, who joined Amazon as a driver only recently, describes her harrowing experiences with the company’s demands.

Faced with challenges such as unsafe weather conditions and intense pressure to meet delivery quotas, Brooks urges the public to empathize with the drivers during this busy season.

“It’s disheartening to think that profit comes before people in a company making trillions,” she lamented.

The Teamsters union is rallying for Amazon drivers nationwide, citing the company's staggering $2 trillion market value as evidence of ample resources to ensure better working conditions.

With Amazon recently revealing a net income of $39.2 billion for the first three quarters of the year, there is a growing push for the corporation to share its financial success with its drivers.

Trenton Knight, an Amazon driver in Georgia, believes the relationship between the company and its drivers needs clarity.

“If we aren’t their workers, then why are we driving their trucks and wearing their uniforms?” Knight questioned, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and proper compensation.

As public scrutiny intensifies and with union support growing, the ongoing situation not only highlights the struggles of Amazon drivers but also calls into question the ethical practices of massive corporations in the gig economy.

The drivers are determined to make their voices heard, standing firm with a clear message: **“We deserve better!”**

Will Amazon heed their call in time for the holidays? Only time will tell!