TikTok Influencers Boycott Amazon Over Employee Abuse

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok for the past year, you’ve probably come across at least one influencer showing off something they ordered from Amazon and telling viewers that they can purchase the same item from the link in the creator’s bio.

The link usually takes viewers to the influencer’s Amazon Storefront, a custom Pinterest-style landing page where viewers can shop directly from the creators they watch — and give the creator a commission for each purchase.

But now some influencers are revolting against Amazon, claiming unfair treatment and calling for a boycott. The movement is called the People above prime promise.

“Amazon is exploiting their workers and thwarting worker-led union efforts,” the pledge reads is reading. “Starting August 16, 2022, creators across TikTok will come together to stand in solidarity with Amazon workers and union organizers by refusing to monetize our platforms for Amazon, including all direct Amazon sponsorship and use of Amazon’s storefront.”

So far, more than 70 creators with a combined following of 51 million users have signed up in an effort to help the Amazon Labor Union, whose demands include a $30 minimum wage, additional deductions and two paid 30-minute breaks on top of an hour. -long paid lunch break per day, among other requests.

People Over Prime was founded by Gen Z for Change, an activist group of young TikTokers who take stances on societal issues they face.

“None of us will accept any sponsorship from Amazon or work with them in general until they allow the workers unions and comply with their demands,” TikToker Connor Hessee said in a statement. video on the platform. “They will no longer be able to rely on creators to advertise their brand.”

TikTokers have started challenging each other to sign the pledge, and when the creators they nominate decide to sign, they make a video explaining why and keep tagging other creators to join, starting a chain reaction.

“All we want Amazon to do is meet these simple requirements and just listen to their employees so that these changes can be made,” TikToker Ivan Surbabano said in his promise videoreferring to the Amazon Workers Union’s list of demands.

toptecheasy.com has contacted Amazon for comment.

Amazon workers across the country have been pushing for state union votes, the most recent being in Albany, New York, when workers petitioned for a union election. this week.

In recent years, Amazon employees have leveled accusations of racism, aggressive surveillance and even forced urination in water bottles due to inadequate breaks.

“We do not tolerate any form of racism or retaliation, and in many cases these complaints come from individuals who acted inappropriately towards colleagues and were fired as a result,” Amazon spokeswoman Leah Seay said. NBC News last month amid the allegations. “We work hard to make sure our teams feel supported and will always stand behind our decision to take action if someone causes their colleagues to feel threatened or left out.”

Amazon was down about 11% in a period of one year from Thursday afternoon.