Amazon Workers Win with 'Flexible Strikes'
In Spain, Amazon workers have successfully secured better wages and more time off using a novel "flexible strike" tactic. By combining short, intermittent walkouts with targeted pressure on production, the union forced management concessions after years of failed negotiations, creating a potential new playbook for labor action in logistics.
The successful "flexible strike" was orchestrated by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the second-largest union at the RMU1 fulfillment center in Murcia, Spain. The union's strategy involved a two-phase approach: a "dress rehearsal" in November followed by a "main offensive" in December, both timed to coincide with the holiday peak season for maximum impact. This tactic deviated from traditional strikes by having workers show up to their stations as usual, creating a false sense of control for management. Then, during peak production times, workers would conduct coordinated, intermittent walkouts, leaving their posts to join CGT activists outside. This strategy caused significant disruption, with over 40 trucks failing to leave on time on the very first day of the strike in November. The walkouts saw massive participation, with approximately 75% of the 2,000-person workforce joining in, including members of other unions. Workers in crucial departments like shipping and inbound organized themselves into small groups to decide when and how long to strike, allowing them to adapt in real-time to Amazon's attempts to change production schedules. This flexibility also reduced the financial burden on individual workers, as they did not lose full days of pay. The sustained pressure and resulting economic damage, amplified by a declaration of support from the Regional Assembly of Murcia, ultimately forced concessions. While Amazon did not engage in direct negotiations, the momentum from the strike enabled an allied union, Unión Sindical Obrera, to unblock a sectoral agreement that had been stagnant for over a decade. The resulting settlement, announced on December 22 and negotiated through government mediators, included significant, measurable victories for the workers. The agreement provides a cumulative salary increase of 14% by 2026, with additional 4% increases in both 2027 and 2028. Beyond the wage increases, the workers also secured a bonus of 40 euros before taxes for each Sunday worked. The deal also included an additional personal day, an extra vacation day, and improved sick leave benefits that cover up to 100% of the base salary.
