Amazon fails to derail unionization vote in Alabama



Picture of the article titled Amazon Failure in Alabama Confederacy Vote

Photo: Philip Huguen / AFP (Getty Images)

Last –An attempt by Amazon to delay a vote on a merger on one of its large warehouses has failed, as the first serious attempt to organize workers into a tech giant has paved the way. Delaware failed attempt in 2014.

On Friday, the National Labor Relations Board confirmed that about 6,000 workers at the company’s fulfillment center in Bessemer, Ala. The hub will be able to use mail by vote to determine whether to join Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). In doing so, the agency reprimanded the objections previously filed against them by Amazon regarding Union Drive.

Workers native File to the right Last November and to vote on the unification of the NLRB Gave them that right. However, Amazon is quickly trying to prevent and delay this view, File an appeal In January, questions arose over the bureau’s original ruling. The tech giant also asked, instead of vote-by-mail, workers s nsite, to vote in personDespite the health risks associated with the epidemic.

In its ruling on Friday, the NLRB said the petition to vote on federalism “does not raise any significant issues guaranteeing a review” and could continue. The agency has also reprimanded Amazon for trying to force a personal vote. As a result of the decision, Bessemer workers will be able to start voting on the initiative next Monday, February 8, and continue until March 29.

Picture of the article titled Amazon Failure in Alabama Confederacy Vote

Screenshots: Lucas Ropek: National Labor Relations Board

Amazon’s doom with labor planning efforts Has taken place across the countryAnd his tactics to stop and frustrate such efforts often happen Includes strict supervision of workers and employeesIncluding Recruitment of Pinktertone Detectives, Among other things.

In the midst of all this, Bessemer Tech has emerged as the main pressure point of the giant labor-management conflict. Local activation Helped to galvanize pressure for extended protection, Although the company has gone to great lengths to dissuade workers. That Was recently reported Bessemer employees were being dragged into “propaganda” sessions where managers “try to sow doubts about the unionization drive.” This is probably not surprising, given this vote, there is a lot of riding on the upcoming vote. Like Bloomberg reports:

The defeat of the union would tarnish the reputation of the labor movement, which has failed to organize workers on America’s second-largest private employer after Walmart. The Union’s victory, on the other hand, will provide a strategic roadmap for the hundreds of thousands of people working in Amazon facilities.

Chelsea Connor, communications director with RWDSU after the NLRB’s decision, said Amazon workers have once again won another battle in an effort to win the union voice. “Amazon’s shameless disregard for the health and safety of its own employees was again demonstrated by the insistence on individually elected elections in the midst of the epidemic. Today’s decision proves that Amazon has a long way to go to honor its own employees; And allow them to vote without intimidation and interference. “

When reached by email on Friday, an Amazon spokesman said Heather Knox said the company was “disappointed” with the NLRB’s decision and claimed that voting by mail would reduce participation: “Our goal is to get as many of our employees as possible to vote and we are not disappointed with the NLRB’s decision. To provide a fair and effective format, “Knox said in a statement. She further claimed that mail-in voting would be less effective than what Amazon had planned as an alternative: a. The election process at a safe place is validated by Kovid-19 experts who would have empowered our colleagues to vote on their way, meanwhile. And their already scheduled shift. “

Somehow while voting you run back and forth between companies-Designated tasks “at the time possible”Super spreader event, “No less” it doesn’t seem as effective as voting from the comfort of your own home. Indeed, instead of seeing this as an attempt to increase turnout, some may even interpret it as a way to prevent it.

.