Make Amazon Pay: How to Leverage the Power of Collective Action

It's time to make Amazon pay. The question isn't whether they should—it's how we can force them to. In an age where global corporations wield unprecedented power, few companies have the influence or reach of Amazon. Yet, despite its size and wealth, the tech giant remains a frequent offender when it comes to labor rights violations, environmental damage, and tax evasion. But what if I told you that you, as an individual, have more power than you think?

Amazon’s reach is undeniable. From your local grocery store to the latest gadgets, it's likely that something you use daily has Amazon’s fingerprints on it. The convenience is seductive. One-click ordering, next-day delivery—what could go wrong? A lot, it turns out.

The real cost of this convenience is not just the price you pay at checkout but what’s happening behind the scenes. Warehouse workers are pushed to the brink, their every move tracked and timed. Stories of grueling hours, insufficient breaks, and dangerous working conditions are commonplace. The company’s obsession with efficiency comes at a human cost, and for years, employees have been silently suffering.

So, what can we do? The answer lies in collective action.

Understanding the Scale of the Problem

Amazon has more than 1.5 million employees globally. That's more than the population of many small countries. Yet, despite this massive workforce, reports of labor abuses are rife. Workers have complained of high injury rates in warehouses, unrealistic productivity targets, and constant surveillance. In 2021, The Guardian reported that Amazon warehouses had a rate of serious injuries more than twice the national average for the warehousing industry in the U.S.

Amazon's environmental impact is another major concern. While the company has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the reality on the ground is quite different. Its carbon footprint has actually increased by 19% between 2020 and 2021. This is largely driven by the exponential growth in its logistics network, as more and more packages are shipped to homes worldwide.

Additionally, Amazon has been a notorious tax dodger. Between 2010 and 2018, despite making over $25 billion in profits, the company paid little to no federal income taxes in the U.S. It’s a problem that goes beyond one country—Amazon’s tax practices have been under scrutiny in the UK, the EU, and many other regions where they’ve been accused of paying far less than their fair share.

Why Collective Action Matters

Now that we understand the scale of the problem, let’s talk about collective action.

No single consumer can bring down Amazon or force them to change. But when consumers come together, their combined actions can have a massive impact. We've seen it before. Boycotts, strikes, and protests have worked in the past, and they can work again. But to be effective, we need to be strategic.

For example, during the #MakeAmazonPay movement, coordinated strikes and protests took place on Black Friday in over 20 countries, from workers in warehouses to tech employees. This movement, spearheaded by Progressive International and supported by a coalition of more than 50 organizations worldwide, aims to hold Amazon accountable for its actions. Workers, environmentalists, and tax justice campaigners are uniting under one banner to demand better pay, job security, and sustainable practices.

If millions of Amazon's customers—those who make the company billions in profits every year—start demanding better treatment of workers, stricter environmental standards, and more transparency on taxes, Amazon will have no choice but to listen.

The Tools You Can Use

So, how can you be part of the solution? Here are several ways to leverage your power as a consumer and worker:

1. Participate in Boycotts and Strikes: Keep an eye on movements like #MakeAmazonPay or other coordinated actions. Even if you don’t work for Amazon, participating in these events by refusing to make purchases during peak sales periods (such as Prime Day or Black Friday) can make a significant impact.

2. Support Alternative Platforms: Amazon has a near-monopoly on e-commerce, but there are alternatives. Consider shopping from smaller, local businesses or cooperatives where workers are treated fairly. Websites like Etsy, for example, often support small, independent sellers.

3. Raise Awareness: Sometimes, the most powerful tool we have is our voice. Social media campaigns, sharing stories of Amazon workers, and participating in local protests all help raise awareness. The more people know about what’s going on behind the scenes, the more pressure can be applied to force change.

4. Demand Policy Changes: Use your political voice to support policies that hold corporations accountable. Lobbying for laws that enforce fair wages, regulate environmental standards, and ensure that mega-corporations pay their taxes can shift the playing field in favor of workers and the environment.

Case Study: The Power of Consumer Boycotts

Let's look at an example of consumer power in action. In 2018, Walmart faced a boycott over its gun sales policies following the tragic Parkland school shooting. Consumers used their voices to demand that the company stop selling firearms, and after months of pressure, Walmart announced that it would no longer sell certain types of guns and ammunition. This change didn’t come from within—it came from you, the consumer.

Amazon can be held accountable in the same way. But we need to be persistent. Every small action counts. If enough people stand together, Amazon will have no choice but to change its practices.

Amazon’s Response to Public Pressure

It’s important to note that Amazon has been responsive to public pressure in the past. Following outcry over poor working conditions, Amazon raised its minimum wage for U.S. workers to $15 per hour in 2018. This was a major victory for labor activists, but it’s only a start. The company still faces criticism for how it treats warehouse workers, and the battle is far from over.

In addition to wage increases, Amazon has also taken steps to reduce its environmental impact—though these steps often feel more like PR stunts than meaningful change. For instance, while the company has launched its Climate Pledge, promising to be carbon-neutral by 2040, it continues to expand its logistics network, which significantly increases its carbon footprint.

The Future: Where Do We Go from Here?

The path forward is clear: we need to keep the pressure on. Amazon will not change overnight, and the road ahead is long. But every action you take—whether it's participating in a boycott, raising awareness, or simply choosing not to shop with Amazon—adds up. You are part of a larger movement, and together, we can make Amazon pay.

In the coming years, expect to see more organized efforts against Amazon and other global giants. Labor unions will continue to grow in strength, environmental activists will push for stricter regulations, and consumers will become more aware of their power.

Conclusion: The Power is in Your Hands

Make no mistake: the power to make Amazon pay is in your hands. As consumers, as workers, and as citizens, we have the ability to shape the future of how businesses operate. Amazon may be a behemoth, but even the largest companies can be brought to heel by collective action.

By staying informed, raising your voice, and supporting ethical alternatives, you can be part of a global movement that demands change. Don’t wait for someone else to act—you have the power right now.