Anti-Amazon protesters in Montreal rally once again for boycott demonstration

Protesters Rally in Montreal, Accusing Amazon of Union-Busting Amid Warehouse Closures

On a chilly day in downtown Montreal, a determined group of protesters gathered at Phillips Square to voice their outrage against Amazon. The demonstrators accused the global e-commerce giant of engaging in union-busting tactics after the company announced the closure of its Quebec warehouses in January. The protest marked the latest escalation in a growing labor dispute that has sparked calls for a nationwide boycott of Amazon and demands for better treatment of its employees.

Félix Trudeau and the Fight for Workers’ Rights

Among the protesters was Félix Trudeau, the union president of the Amazon warehouse in Laval, Quebec. Trudeau has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights since the warehouse unionized in May of last year. Speaking to a Canadian Press reporter, Trudeau emphasized that the closure of the warehouses was an unprecedented move aimed at crushing a democratic workers’ movement. "Several thousand workers have been laid off," Trudeau said, urging governments at all levels to stop using Amazon’s services until the company addresses the concerns of its former employees.

A Growing Movement: Protesters and Politicians Unite

The protest in Montreal drew a crowd that grew from about 50 people in the morning to over 100 by the afternoon, as evident from social media videos shared later in the day. Earlier this week, Trudeau shared a stage in Ottawa with New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Charlie Angus, who echoed the call for a nationwide boycott of Amazon. Angus also highlighted the need for better severance packages for the laid-off workers. The unity between union leaders and politicians underscores the broader implications of the dispute, which has resonated with labor rights advocates across Canada.

Amazon Denies Union-Busting Allegations

Amazon has categorically denied accusations of union-busting, stating that its decision to close the warehouses was motivated by a desire to deliver more efficient and cost-effective services to customers. The company has not publicly addressed the specific claims made by Trudeau and other protesters, but its official stance is that the closures were a strategic business decision. However, labor activists argue that the timing of the closures—following the unionization of the Laval warehouse—suggests a different motive.

Workers Demand Justice and Compensation

Benoit Dumais, a former Amazon employee from Quebec, was also present at the protest. Dumais, who left his job due to workplace injuries, called on Quebec’s labor minister to meet with laid-off workers to discuss potential legal avenues for pursuing Amazon for indemnities and services. Dumais and others argue that Amazon has a duty to provide these benefits, citing the company’s obligations under labor laws. In February, a Quebec labor group filed a formal complaint against Amazon, demanding that the company resume operations in the province and compensate each employee with more than a year’s salary.

The Broader Implications of the Dispute

The protest in Montreal and the ongoing labor dispute highlight the challenges faced by workers in the gig economy and the tech sector. As companies like Amazon continue to expand their operations, questions about workplace rights, unionization, and corporate accountability have become increasingly relevant. The call for a boycott of Amazon and the involvement of politicians like Charlie Angus demonstrate the potential for widespread solidarity in support of workers’ rights. Whether the protesters’ demands will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight for fair treatment of Amazon workers is far from over.