Number of Amazon Employees
Amazon has seen a significant growth in its workforce over the past few years. As of Q3 2024, the company employed approximately 1,551,000 people globally. The data reveals an ongoing trend of expansion, particularly during peak seasons like the holidays. However, recent news has brought attention to Amazon’s labor relations as strikes have been organized at various U.S. facilities, with workers demanding better wages, working conditions, and benefits.
Amazon Workforce Growth: 2018-2024
Amazon's employee numbers have shown a steady increase, as seen in the following breakdown:
- Q1 '18: 563,100 employees
- Q2 '18: 575,700 employees
- Q3 '18: 613,300 employees
- Q4 '18: 647,500 employees
- Q1 '19: 630,600 employees
- Q2 '19: 653,300 employees
- Q3 '19: 750,000 employees
- Q4 '19: 798,000 employees
- Q1 '20: 840,400 employees
- Q2 '20: 876,800 employees
- Q3 '20: 1,125,300 employees
- Q4 '20: 1,298,000 employees
- Q1 '21: 1,271,000 employees
- Q2 '21: 1,335,000 employees
- Q3 '21: 1,468,000 employees
- Q4 '21: 1,608,000 employees
- Q1 '22: 1,622,000 employees
- Q2 '22: 1,523,000 employees
- Q3 '22: 1,544,000 employees
- Q4 '22: 1,541,000 employees
- Q1 '23: 1,465,000 employees
- Q2 '23: 1,461,000 employees
- Q3 '23: 1,500,000 employees
- Q4 '23: 1,525,000 employees
- Q1 '24: 1,521,000 employees
- Q2 '24: 1,532,000 employees
- Q3 '24: 1,551,000 employees
Recent Amazon Worker Strikes
Despite the company's impressive growth, recent strikes at various Amazon facilities have raised concerns. Workers at several U.S. locations, including New York and California, have organized strikes to demand better pay, improved working conditions, and better benefits. The strikes, particularly during the busy holiday season, highlight ongoing tensions between Amazon and its workforce.
On December 18, 2024, Amazon workers in key locations began striking during the crucial pre-Christmas period. The protests are being led by the Teamsters union and come amid rising discontent with the company's labor practices.
Amazon's Response and Future Outlook
Amazon maintains that its operations have not been significantly affected by the strikes, stating that it continues to provide competitive wages and benefits to its employees. However, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges Amazon faces in balancing rapid growth with employee satisfaction. The company has also emphasized its investment in automation and efficiency to ensure continued performance despite labor disruptions.
These developments highlight the complexities of managing a workforce on such a global scale and the importance of addressing labor concerns while maintaining business growth.