In a Historic Moment, Amazon Workers Vote to Unionize

It’s a historic day for Amazon employees at a warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y., who have voted to unionize for the first time ever in the U.S. That’s according to the grassroots organization, Amazon Labor Union (ALU), which, as of 11 am ET on April 1 reported 2,050 votes for yes and 1,574 for no. https://twitter.com/amazonlabor/status/1509934286727749675 According to CNBC, the final total was 2,654 in favor and 2,131 against out of 8,325 eligible voters. "We’re disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island because we believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees," Amazon said in a statement. "We’re evaluating our options, including filing objections based on the inappropriate and undue influence by the [National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)] that we and others [including the National Retail Federation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce] witnessed in this election." Smalls’ big victory The ALU is asking for eight immediate changes, including paid time off for injured workers, a 7.5% wage adjustment for inflation, an end to the overtime cap on part-time employees, 20-minute breaks and a private shuttle between the Staten Island ferry terminal and the warehouse. The organization was founded by President Chris Smalls, an employee at the Staten Island facility who was fired in 2020 after organizing a walkout over working conditions at the height of the pandemic. He has since found a career as a workers’ rights advocate. In an April 2020 interview, Adweek asked Smalls about whether Amazon employees should unionize. “They don’t know how to take care of their people, so why not?” he said at the time. “That’s what unions do—they look out for employees’ best interests. CEOs are sitting there piling up billions of dollars and don’t care—we have to take the power back.” ‘Union avoidance’ While Amazon has long stressed its $15 hourly minimum and wide-ranging benefits as proof it takes care of its employees, it has fought hard against efforts to unionize. In 2019, the ecommerce platform posted a job listing for an employee relations manager with “seven years direct experience in … union avoidance work, or labor/employment law with an emphasis on union avoidance.” Amazon did not comment to Adweek’s inquiry about the ad and later scrubbed references to “union avoidance” from the listing. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), previously told Adweek Amazon’s anti-union efforts also include: mandatory anti-union lectures, an anti-union ad campaign, anti-union messaging throughout the warehouse—including bathroom stalls, text messages and calls—lies about the voting deadline and collaborations with local government to change the speed of nearby traffic lights to make it harder for union reps to talk to employees. Eyes on Alabama Meanwhile, results are pending in another union vote in Bessemer, Ala. Per the RWDSU, the vote hinges on 416 ballots, which are being challenged by both parties. The effort to unionize at the facility failed almost exactly a year ago. However, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found Amazon interfered with employees’ rights to a free and fair election and granted the current re-run. “This moment is historic and the workers in Bessemer, Ala. have inspired working people all over the country and all over the world to fight for change at their workplaces, including other organizing at Amazon around the country,” Appelbaum said in a statement. “This fight is the spark of the 21st century labor movement and we know it will forever transform how Americans view unions in this country.” Amazon Launches a Support Network for Refugees