Amazon, union face off in a rematch election in New York

New York

Workers at other Amazon facilities and other companies could be given the boost they need by a second labour win. It could also consolidate the power and influence the Amazon labour Union, a grassroots group made up of ex- and current workers who secured the historic victory last month.

However, a loss in the union could dampen some labour celebrations and raise questions about the validity of the first victory.

The National Labor Relations Board, overseeing the election process, is expected to announce the results early Monday evening. Amazon has challenged the certification of the first win by the agency.

This month’s election saw far fewer eligible workers than last month. There were 1,500, compared to 8,300 at Staten Island. There are 10 organizers compared to 30.

“It is a more personal, aggressive battle over here,” saidConnor Spence is an Amazon employee and serves as the union’s vice-president of membership.

Spence saidThe ALU filed for an electoral election earlier in the year, and there was more support. However, this was quickly eclipsed by the larger facility across the street where organizers were directing their energy more effectively.

Amazon held mandatory meetings to persuade workers to reject the union effort. They also posted anti-union flyers, launched a website, and continued to hold mandatory meetings.

Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson saidNantel stated that employees can decide whether they want to join a union. Nantel stated that unions were not the best solution for employees, but she said that “as a company we don’t believe they are the best answer.” said. “Our focus is on working with our team to make Amazon a great place for work.

Experts believe the small number of organizers is disadvantageous to the union. However, this might not be a problem since the unexpected win last month has strengthened the ALU’s legitimacy. It has received support from prominent union leaders as well as high-profile progressive legislators. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Rep. John Bolton spoke at a rally outside of the warehouse to support the union drive organizers.

“This is definitely about ALU, but it’s also a larger desire to organize right now.” saidSara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants attended the rally as well. “And we must run as fast in this environment as possible to organize millions of people, if we are going to change this country’s power structure and give working people fair shot.”

ALU organizers changed their focus to Staten Island after their first win and reiterated their vision for workers: longer breaks, better job security and a higher hourly pay of US$30. This is an increase from the current minimum of US$18 on Staten Island.

Spence saidThey also targeted their pitch at part-time workers who the facility relies on heavily and have been waiting for their requests to be transferred to full-time employment at the company. He believed that the union had regained momentum by the time the votes were cast.

He stated, “We had no choice but to claw it back.” said.

Even though the ALU has one victory, it has not made much progress. Amazon lodged objections to the union drive’s success last month. It argued in a filing with NLRB that the vote had been tainted both by organizers and the regional office in Brooklyn that supervised it. While Amazon says it would like a redo election for its employees, union experts believe that it is an effort to slow down contract negotiations and potentially halt some of the organizing momentum.

Despite its setbacks the ALU has made some progress. They have shined a spotlight on Amazon and highlighted concerns about its workplace conditions. This has inspired others to take action.

Sanders wrote to President Joe Biden on Tuesday asking him to sign an executive ordering that would cut off Amazon’s contracts from the government until the retailer ceases what Sanders called “illegal anti union activity.” The president’s campaign pledge to “ensure federal contract only go to employers that sign neutrality agreements, committing not to operate anti-union camps” would be fulfilled if such a move were taken by organizers.

Two New York State legislators introduced legislation to regulate warehouse productivity. The bill was intended to prevent workplace injuries in facilities owned by Amazon and other companies. Sponsors of the bill saidThey were motivated to do so by ALU’s imminent contract negotiations with the company. This company has been criticized for having high warehouse injuries rates.

Separately, ALU and the American Federation of Teachers are requesting that Letitia James, New York Attorney General, investigate Amazon’s eligibility to tax credits under a state program to attract business to New York. Seth Goldstein is a union attorney and pro-bono lawyer to the ALU. He claims that Amazon engaged in “flagrantly unfair labour practices” during the strikes. These violations were against the worker protector provisions. Amazon’s spokesperson declined to comment.

Some warehouse workers voted against unionization on Staten Island. They said they feel well taken care of and would prefer to wait and see how contract negotiations at the other facility go before joining the union movement. The ALU is not able to accomplish the goals it has set.

Alexander Campbell, a warehouse worker aged 25, voted against the union. He claimed he readHe found some online information that suggested his wage might drop if the warehouse were to unionize.

Others, however, are offering their support. Michael Aguilar was a warehouse worker and ALU organizer. saidTwo months ago, he requested that Amazon allow him to transition to full-time. While he says that he has not been granted the request, Amazon continues to hire. He attended a call from a union organizer and decided to join the drive.

He stated, “Everything they were fighting to achieve was in harmony with everything I had experienced.” said. “Once I discovered that, I was able to jump on board.”