A group of Amazon workers is preparing to stage a walkout at the company's Seattle headquarters in protest of recent layoffs, the enforced return-to-office policy, and Amazon's environmental impact. The lunchtime demonstration is scheduled for May 31, following the annual shareholder meeting, and will depend on the participation of at least 1,000 employees from Amazon's Seattle base. This move comes amidst growing discontent among workers, as concerns regarding job security, work conditions, and environmental responsibility reach a boiling point.

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Layoffs and Return-to-Office Mandate

Amazon, one of the world's largest online retailers, has faced significant backlash due to a series of layoffs that have affected approximately 27,000 employees since November. The downsizing has impacted various departments, including advertising, human resources, gaming, stores, devices, and Amazon Web Services, the company's cloud computing division. These job cuts have fueled discontent among workers, who fear for their job security and question the company's decision-making processes.

Adding to the employees' frustration is the recent implementation of a return-to-office policy, requiring workers to be physically present in the office three days a week. This move, which took effect a month ago, has drawn criticism from employees who have grown accustomed to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 20,000 workers have signed a petition urging Amazon to reconsider this mandate, citing concerns about their health, work-life balance, and productivity.

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Environmental Impact and Slow Response

Another major point of contention among Amazon employees is the company's perceived lack of action regarding its environmental impact. Some workers have accused Amazon of being slow to address its contribution to climate change and are demanding more substantial efforts to reduce the company's carbon footprint. These concerns have gained traction, with workers expressing their dissatisfaction and pushing for greater accountability from the retail giant.

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Walkout Announcement

In response to these grievances, a group of Amazon workers has decided to organize a walkout at the company's Seattle headquarters. The demonstration, planned for May 31, aims to send a powerful message to Amazon's leadership and draw attention to the workers' demands. For the walkout to proceed, it is crucial that a minimum of 1,000 employees from the Seattle headquarters agree to participate, demonstrating the magnitude of dissatisfaction within the company.

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Amazon's Response

Amazon has acknowledged its employees' right to express their opinions and concerns. The company, in a statement, emphasized its respect for employee voices while refraining from commenting on the specific issues raised by the protesters. Drew Herdener, Senior Vice President for Communications at Amazon, noted that since more employees have returned to the office, there has been a positive energy at the South Lake Union campus and other urban centers.

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Members of LevelFields received the alert of this event on May 27, 5:05 PM ET