Unionization Effort at Amazon’s Bessemer Warehouse Faces Defeat

The attempt to unionize Amazon’s fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, has been unsuccessful, as the initial vote count revealed a significant majority favoring the retailer. Of the 3,215 ballots submitted, over half were cast against unionization.

RWDSU Challenges the Results

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which would have represented the workers had the vote passed, immediately contested the outcome. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU, characterized the initial results as a substantial setback.

Appelbaum stated to TechCrunch that this outcome represents a major impediment to the largest unionization campaign in Amazon’s 27-year history. A potential turning point for both the company and its workforce appears, for the time being, to have been averted.

Amazon’s Position and Worker Compensation

Amazon has consistently maintained that its treatment of employees is equitable, rendering union representation unnecessary. The company points to its provision of a $15 per hour minimum wage as evidence of this commitment.

This wage standard, while now in place, was initially resisted by Amazon before being adopted following pressure from lawmakers.

Political Support for Unionization

The unionization drive garnered support from a diverse range of political figures. An unusual coalition, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Marco Rubio, voiced their backing for the workers.

Senator Rubio, a conservative from Florida, specifically criticized what he described as Amazon’s “uniquely malicious corporate behavior.” President Joe Biden also publicly supported the workers, identifying himself as “the most pro-union president you’ve ever seen.”

Amazon Claims Victory

The company is expected to present the results as validation of its employment practices. In a preliminary statement, Amazon asserted that its employees “are smart and know the truth—starting wages of $15 or more, health care from day one, and a safe and inclusive workplace.”

Amazon further encouraged all employees to participate in the voting process.

Concerns Regarding Ballot Collection

In a subsequent blog post, the company addressed allegations raised by the union concerning the installation of ballot boxes. The RWDSU claims these boxes were placed in violation of stipulations set by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The union alleges that, despite the NLRB’s denial of Amazon’s request for a drop box on the warehouse premises, the company collaborated with the postal service to install one, potentially to intimidate workers.

Background of the Bessemer Warehouse

The Bessemer warehouse, employing approximately 6,000 individuals, commenced operations in late March 2020. This expansion coincided with increased demand for essential workers during the onset of pandemic-related lockdowns.

The debate surrounding the unionization effort brought to light long-standing concerns regarding Amazon’s treatment of its workforce, including reports of employees resorting to urinating in water bottles to meet demanding performance quotas.

Company Response to Allegations

Amazon initially denied these claims during a social media campaign, but later issued a clarification that appeared to attribute the issue to broader industry challenges. The company also faced criticism for running anti-union advertisements on its streaming platform, Twitch, which were subsequently removed.

Twitch stated that the advertisements “should never have been allowed to run.”

Ongoing Vote Count and Potential Challenges

A total of 3,215 ballots were cast, representing over half of the workforce at the Alabama facility. Despite Amazon securing a majority of the votes, the counting process will continue.

Legal challenges to the results are anticipated and could extend for several weeks.