Rubie Mosqueda, a delivery driver at an Amazon facility in Southern California, has been working tirelessly for the past few years to ensure that packages are delivered to customers on time. However, she and her colleagues have recently gone on strike to protest against the working conditions at the facility.
Mosqueda, along with many other employees, has been working long hours with little to no breaks, and often without proper compensation. The demands of the job have taken a toll on her physical and mental well-being. She explains that the constant pressure to meet delivery targets and the lack of support from management have made the job extremely stressful.
“We are not robots, we are human beings,” Mosqueda says. “We have families and responsibilities outside of work, but we are expected to work like machines without any regard for our well-being.”
The strike, which has gained national attention, is not just about better pay and benefits. It is also about the lack of respect and dignity shown towards the workers. Mosqueda and her colleagues are demanding better working conditions, including more reasonable work hours, adequate breaks, and a safe and healthy work environment.
“We are not asking for anything extravagant, just the basic rights that every worker deserves,” Mosqueda explains. “We want to be treated with respect and dignity, and not just seen as disposable labor.”
The Amazon facility in Southern California is known for its fast-paced and high-pressure work environment. Employees are constantly pushed to meet tight deadlines, and any mistakes or delays can result in disciplinary action. Mosqueda and her colleagues feel that this pressure is not only unsustainable but also unsafe.
“We are constantly rushing to meet delivery targets, which often means sacrificing our own safety,” Mosqueda says. “We are expected to drive long hours without proper breaks, and this puts us and other drivers on the road at risk.”
The strike has also shed light on the issue of job security. Many employees, including Mosqueda, are hired as temporary workers with no guarantee of a permanent position. This not only creates uncertainty for the workers but also makes it difficult for them to plan for their future.
“We want job security and the opportunity for growth within the company,” Mosqueda says. “We have dedicated our time and energy to this job, and we deserve to have a stable and secure career.”
Despite the challenges they face, Mosqueda and her colleagues remain determined and united in their cause. They have received overwhelming support from the community and other Amazon employees across the country. The strike has also sparked a larger conversation about workers’ rights and the treatment of employees in the retail industry.
“We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for all workers who are facing similar issues,” Mosqueda says. “We hope that our actions will bring about positive change not just within Amazon, but in the industry as a whole.”
In response to the strike, Amazon has released a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by the employees and promising to address them. However, Mosqueda and her colleagues are determined to continue their strike until they see real and lasting changes.
“We are grateful for the support we have received, but we will not back down until our demands are met,” Mosqueda says. “We deserve better, and we will not stop fighting until we get it.”
The strike at the Amazon facility in Southern California serves as a reminder that behind every package delivered to our doorstep, there are hardworking individuals who deserve fair treatment and respect. Mosqueda and her colleagues are standing up for their rights and inspiring others to do the same. Let us support them in their fight for a better and more just workplace.
