Strikes at Amazon and Starbucks for union recognition and better contracts coincide with holiday season to pressure companies. Momentum grew post-COVID-19, spotlighting essential workers' importance.

On Thursday, Bezos faced backlash for his double date with the Trumps from U.S. senator Bernie Sanders, who says Bezos needs to get his priorities straight as thousands of Amazon workers went on strike across the U.S on Thursday.

Amazon workers at five additional facilities have authorized strike action, adding to the labor unrest at three other sites in New York City and Illinois. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) announced that members at four Southern California facilities and one in Atlanta voted unanimously to approve the measures.