The Unstoppable Activist: 5 Shocking Facts About Chris Smalls, The Amazon Labor Union Founder
The name Chris Smalls has become synonymous with a new era of American labor activism, representing one of the most significant upsets in corporate history. As of December 2025, the founder and former President of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) remains a global figure, celebrated for his David-vs-Goliath victory over one of the world's largest companies, Amazon. His journey from a fired warehouse supervisor to a globally recognized labor leader has captivated the public, but it is his recent international activism that has brought him back into the headlines, proving his commitment to justice extends far beyond the warehouse floor.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at Christian Smalls, detailing his biographical profile, the historic unionization effort at the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, and the shocking details of his recent detention while participating in a humanitarian mission to Gaza. Smalls continues to rally for worker rights, facing ongoing challenges from the e-commerce giant while inspiring a new generation of organizers.
Chris Smalls: Full Biography and Profile
Christian "Chris" Smalls is an American labor organizer and activist who gained international fame for successfully leading the first independent, worker-led unionization effort against Amazon in the United States.
- Full Name: Christian Smalls
- Born: July 4, 1988
- Birthplace: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
- Key Role: Founder and former President of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU)
- Previous Employment: Amazon Warehouse Supervisor (2015–2020)
- Education: Attended college in New York City; formerly pursued a career in music (rap artist)
- Defining Moment: Organizing a protest over unsafe working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to his firing in March 2020.
- Major Achievement: Leading the Amazon Labor Union to victory in the April 2022 union election at Amazon's JFK8 facility in Staten Island, New York.
- Recent Activism (2025): Detained by Israeli forces while aboard the Freedom Flotilla Coalition delivering aid to Gaza.
From Fired Worker to Union President: The JFK8 Upset
Smalls's journey to labor history began not with a grand plan, but with an act of protest. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across New York, Smalls, then an Amazon supervisor at the JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island, organized a walkout.
The protest was a direct response to Amazon's perceived failure to protect workers after an employee tested positive for the virus. Smalls was summarily fired, with Amazon claiming he violated quarantine rules.
A leaked memo from an Amazon executive meeting, where a top lawyer described Smalls as "not smart or articulate," inadvertently fueled his fire and turned him into a martyr for the cause. This quote became a rallying cry against the corporate "Billionaire's club" he was challenging.
Following his termination, Smalls co-founded the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) with a handful of former and current Amazon workers. The ALU was a scrappy, independent, and worker-led effort, operating without the massive funding of established unions like the Teamsters or the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
The ALU's victory in April 2022 at the JFK8 facility was a monumental moment. It marked the first successful unionization of a U.S. Amazon warehouse, sending shockwaves through the entire labor movement and inspiring similar efforts at facilities like the RDU1 warehouse in North Carolina and among Whole Foods workers.
The Ongoing Battle: ALU's Challenges and Amazon's Response
Despite the historic win, the Amazon Labor Union has faced an uphill battle. The victory at JFK8 was only the first step; the ALU must now negotiate a contract with Amazon, a process the company has actively resisted.
Amazon has employed aggressive anti-union tactics, resulting in numerous unfair labor practice charges being filed against the company with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). As of early 2025, the NLRB had docketed nearly 350 open or settled charges against Amazon and its subsidiaries.
The challenges extend beyond the bargaining table. Subsequent union elections led by the ALU at other Amazon facilities have been unsuccessful, including a high-profile loss at a warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama.
However, the spirit of the movement remains strong. Worker activism, including strikes over the 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend across multiple countries, shows that the efforts of Smalls and the ALU have permanently shifted the conversation around worker power at Amazon.
International Headlines: The 2025 Gaza Flotilla Detention
In a development that highlighted Smalls's commitment to global human rights, he made international news in July 2025 after being detained by Israeli forces.
Smalls was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of activists and journalists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vessel was intercepted in international waters, and Smalls, along with 20 other activists, was detained.
He was reportedly held at Givon Prison in what advocates described as inhumane conditions before ultimately being released and returning home.
The incident drew widespread media attention, with organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcoming his return. Smalls was noted as the only Black person on the crew, further highlighting the intersection of his labor activism with broader social justice causes.
This latest act of solidarity cemented Chris Smalls's reputation not just as a labor organizer, but as a dedicated global activist. His willingness to take on both the corporate behemoth of Jeff Bezos and complex international issues ensures his continued relevance on the world stage for years to come.
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