Ah, Black Friday. The “holiday” that’s based solely on a capitalist scam. Ok, I guess most holidays are based on a capitalist scam, but Black Friday really turns it up to 11, doesn’t it? Raise the list price of something about a month beforehand, lower it back to what it used to be for Black Friday, and convince people they’re getting a “deal.” Make sure it’s a day most people have off work, and during a time where they’re reflecting on all the things they’re thankful for, because hopefully they’ll simultaneously think: “I need more shit.”
This Black Friday something special happened. Amazon workers in 30-40 countries went on strike. Out in Berlin they projected “Make Amazon Pay” on the Amazon building, in the US walk-outs happened in multiple locations and Whole Foods locations went on strike, and in Ireland, Extinction Rebellion got involved.
First, to be clear, this is absolutely amazing to see. Nothing but the utmost praise for all the workers involved, and working class solidarity is the only way to truly fight back against the infection of capitalism across the globe.
Yet, it’s also a lesson in just how large of a strike is really needed. Workers in over 30 countries went on strike, walk-outs, protests in front of Bezos’ house, and guess what happened? Amazon kept working per usual. They had Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals, and the corporate media was happy to help with promotion.
Again, to be clear, not knocking the effort, thrilled about it and support it 100%. But, the reality is David is up against Goliath and David hasn’t found a sling-shot yet.
Antitrust Legislation is that sling-shot. The good news is the pressure is working.
We’ve got a few weeks left, folks. We’ve been screaming and it’s been having an effect, but if we don’t keep it up, Schumer and the gang will wait on the clock. Don’t let them.