Thousands protested in Montreal against Amazon’s warehouse closures in Canada, expressing discontent with multinational corporations and their treatment of workers. Union leaders highlighted the job losses and criticized Amazon’s actions, alleging retaliation against unionization efforts. Community members emphasized the need for better working conditions and fair wages, with the City of Montreal suspending orders from Amazon. The movement reflects broader frustrations with U.S. policies and aims to rally support for workers’ rights and corporate accountability.
Protesters Unite Against Amazon’s Warehouse Closures
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Montreal on Saturday, rallying for the boycott movement against Amazon following the recent shutdown of all its warehouses in Canada. This wave of protests highlights the growing discontent towards multinational corporations and their treatment of workers.
Union Voices Call for Change
Félix Trudeau, president of the Amazon Laval-CSN workers’ union, expressed strong sentiments about the situation. He stated, “American multinationals feel entitled,” linking the issue to broader imperialistic ambitions and the influence of political decisions on corporate power.
The union reports that approximately 4,700 workers have lost their jobs due to Amazon’s warehouse closures. Many believe the closures are a retaliatory measure against employees who attempted to unionize—a groundbreaking move in Canada. However, Amazon has refuted these claims, asserting that the decision to close its facilities is unrelated to union activities.
CSN president Caroline Senneville emphasized the importance of sending a unified message to municipal, provincial, and federal governments, urging them to reconsider their business relationships with Amazon. In a significant move, the City of Montreal announced it would suspend all orders from the e-commerce giant “until further notice.”
The protest was filled with passionate chants directed at Amazon and its founder, with some demonstrators reviving a controversial slogan from past protests. The atmosphere remained festive, with families joining in solidarity against corporate practices that they feel undermine workers’ rights.
Chloé Bouchard, a mother attending the protest, stated, “Unionizing is a right, and not wanting to respect that means an incompatibility with Quebec values.” She noted that many around her had chosen to boycott Amazon, amplifying the movement’s reach.
The protests appear to be fueled by a broader discontent with U.S. policies, especially following threats of tariffs on Canadian imports. Bouchard voiced concerns that the current political landscape would exacerbate existing inequalities, calling it a “wake-up call” for workers across the region.
Protesters highlighted the need for better working conditions, citing the alarming number of injuries reported at Amazon facilities. Trudeau, proudly wearing his DXT-4 warehouse jacket, explained that their fight centers around securing decent working conditions and fair wages.
Denis Letourneux, a 67-year-old former employee, shared his perspective on the motivation behind joining the union, noting that starting wages of $20 per hour, capped at $22 after three years, are insufficient to cover basic living expenses in light of Amazon’s substantial profits.
As the movement continues to gather momentum, workers like Andy Remarais, who witnessed injuries among his colleagues, stress the importance of community support. Many feel empowered by public backing, especially during outreach efforts in local subway stations.