SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Amazon workers, Somali community leaders and their allies rallied in suburban Minneapolis at the height of the busy holiday season to demand better working conditions.
Joining them Friday evening at an Amazon warehouse in Shakopee was U.S. Rep.-elect Ilhan Omar, who’s the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress.
Amazon’s fulfillment center in Shakopee employs more than 1,500 workers. The online retail giant estimates about 30 percent of the workers there are East African.
The workers are being represented by the nonprofit Awood Center. But the Star Tribune reports the two sides have not resolved their differences, which include increasing workloads and limited advancement opportunities. Workers spoke of harsh conditions during Friday’s rally.
In a statement, Amazon said Friday it works to ensure all employees are treated fairly and with dignity and respect. Amazon said workers in Minnesota receive excellent pay and comprehensive benefits.
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