Union claims Amazon threatened to close the facility if it unionized
By Mitchell Clark, The Verge
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (or RWDSU) has filed objections against Amazon to the National Labor Relations Board, saying that the company has again interfered with its election in Bessemer, Alabama (via CNBC).
In a press release, the union alleges that the company “threatened an employee with plant closure if the Union was voted in,” barred employees from posting pro-union literature, and “engaged in surveillance and / or created the impression of surveillance of employees engaged in protected concerted activities,” among many other things. The union is asking the NLRB to schedule a hearing on its objections to determine whether the results of the second Bessemer election should be set aside and a new election held.
![Amazon workers with sign that says support alabama amazon union fight racism and union busting in Bessemer, AL](https://progressivehub.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amazon-workers-with-sign-that-says-support-alabama-amazon-union-fight-racism-and-union-busting-in-Bessemer-AL-uai-258x145.png)
The complaint, which you can read in full below, is about Amazon’s behavior during the union election that wrapped up last month. The final outcome of that election is currently unknown — while the votes were tallied at 993 to 875 against unionization, there were over 400 challenged ballots. As a result, the outcome depends on a hearing that hasn’t yet been scheduled.
The election that’s now being challenged was held as a redo, after the RWDSU lost a previous election by a nearly two to one margin last year. The NLRB found that Amazon interfered with the first election in Bessemer, and ordered a new one.
Recent Posts
VIDEO: A Blueprint For Countering American Fascism
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now Our First Annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium offered lessons from real-life heartland organizers on how to fight for a multiracial…
Gavin Newsom Orders Removal Of Homeless Encampments
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now “The only way to end homeless encampments in California is to end the need for homeless encampments,” an expert said.…
The Crackdown On Antisemitism Doesn’t Have Much To Do With Antisemitism
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now Republican lawmakers increasingly conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism in an effort limit pro-Palestine speech and criticism of…
Netanyahu’s Unhinged And Bellicose Congressional Address Draws Scorn
July 25, 2024
Take Action Now ‘Our enemies are your enemies,’ the prime minister insisted, setting up confrontation with Iran. By Blaise Malley,…