Joliet Police called to Amazon warehouse amid protests, no arrests made

Joliet — Joliet Police officers were called several times to the Amazon warehouse on Emerald Drive Thursday after protestors reportedly blocked the entrance to the facilities, though no arrests were made.

According to Sgt. Dwayne English, Joliet Police public affairs director, officers were called to the warehouse “multiple times” throughout the day to respond to a crowd of people allegedly blocking the facility’s driveway to truck drivers and other employees.

The apparent protest comes amidst a larger, Teamsters-led strike at seven Amazon facilities in multiple states, including one in north-suburban Skokie, according to the Associated Press. The strikes have reportedly been timed in the busy, last-minute Christmas delivery period to put pressure on the company to negotiate with employees who wish to unionize.

Although the Joliet facility is not one of the warehouses impacted by the strikes, it is likely the protesting crowd is related.

“We’re not sure if they’re striking workers or just protesting, but the complaints were they were blocking the way,” English said. “We sent officers to respond, but have not taken any more law enforcement action because everyone has complied with orders to move. Which is good. We support the right to peacefully protest or strike.”

While the strikes have come at a historically busy time for the e-commerce giant, Amazon has said that they will not interrupt their service during the holidays, according to the Associated Press. While employees at the warehouse are regular Amazon employees, most of the delivery drivers at the sites, including people being blocked in Joliet, are independent contractors.