On Thursday morning, workers at seven Amazon sites will commence a strike during the critical holiday shopping period.

This labor strike, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, aims to pressure Amazon by threatening delays in package deliveries during its peak season. The initiative follows the Teamsters’ accusations that Amazon has ignored a Dec. 15 deadline for contract negotiations.

“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” remarked Teamsters President Sean O’Brien in a statement. “These selfish executives had ample opportunities to show respect for those who enable their enormous profits. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to their breaking point, and now they’re facing the consequences.”

The union describes this action as “the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history,” while Amazon asserts that the strike is expected to have a minimal impact on its operations.

Workers authorized strikes in New York, California, Illinois, and Atlanta

The Teamsters represent nearly 10,000 employees at 10 Amazon locations, which is only about 1% of the company’s total hourly workforce, according to Reuters.

The workers voted to authorize the strike as the Teamsters pressed for Amazon’s recognition of the union and for negotiations to begin by last Sunday. The union is fighting for a contract that secures better wages and improved working conditions. Officials warn that strikes could extend beyond the initial seven locations.

As of Thursday morning, the strikes are set to occur at locations in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Illinois, and Southern California. Teamsters at local unions have also established picket lines at numerous Amazon Fulfillment Centers across the country, as announced in a Thursday statement.

“Amazon Teamsters at other locations are ready to join in,” the statement indicated.

Amazon claims the strike will not affect holiday deliveries

Amazon officials stated on Tuesday that they anticipate the planned strikes will not disrupt their holiday operations.

The Seattle-based firm has consistently declined to acknowledge the union, even filing challenges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Reuters reported. In a prior statement, an Amazon representative mentioned that the strike does not accurately reflect its workforce.

A number of the striking employees are drivers, whom Amazon argues are employed by third-party logistics companies instead of the retailer.

“For over a year, the Teamsters have misled the public by claiming to represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’,” said Eileen Hands, a company spokesperson. “They don’t, and this is yet another attempt to propagate a false narrative.”

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated to Reuters that the Teamsters have used unlawful means to pressure workers into union membership.

“The reality is that the Teamsters have engaged in threats, intimidation, and attempts to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and has led to multiple pending unfair labor practice complaints against the union,” Nantel declared.