Amazon kicks off Prime Day amid strikes

SEATTLE — Amazon’s fifth annual Prime Day began yesterday as employees pushed back against the pace of work demanded of them in order to meet the company’s one-day delivery commitment. Workers in Germany went on strike yesterday, while a week of rolling walkouts is planned in the U.K. Steven Osinski, marketing professor at San Diego State University, told CBC News the labour actions were unlikely to dim customer enthusiasm. “I don’t think it will have an impact,” he said. “Americans liking discounts will trump worrying about higher wages for two days”. Amazon has defended its compensation scale, which a spokesperson said includes “excellent pay—ranging from $16.25-$20.80 US an hour, and comprehensive benefits including health care, up to 20 weeks parental leave, paid education, promotional opportunities and more.”