Amazon Union Vote Count Favors the Company

The vote tally has commenced in the union election held by Amazon warehouse employees in Bessemer, Alabama, a little over a week after voting concluded. A period of relative calm followed the election, but that has now been disrupted by the start of the vote counting process.

Initial results are significantly leaning towards Amazon, following an intensive campaign against unionization. As of today’s close of counting, the number of ‘no’ votes has surpassed ‘yes’ votes by a considerable margin.

Current Vote Totals

Currently, the count stands at 1,100 votes against the union and 463 votes in favor. Counting is scheduled to resume and conclude tomorrow. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), the potential representative for the workers, is strongly criticizing the company’s methods.

“The existing system is flawed, and Amazon exploited this to its advantage,” stated RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum in a communication to TechCrunch. “We will request the labor board to investigate Amazon’s unlawful and severe conduct throughout the campaign. However, this remains a pivotal moment for workers, and their concerns will be addressed.”

Concerns Regarding Campaign Tactics

These statements suggest the union is preparing to contest the results, as well as addressing specific actions taken by Amazon during the campaign. The current figures represent approximately half of the 3,215 ballots being counted.

Amazon is currently around 500 votes away from successfully opposing the unionization efforts. A request for comment was sent to Amazon regarding Appelbaum’s statements, but a response has not yet been received.

Last month, Amazon offered a critical assessment of Appelbaum to TechCrunch, labeling him the “Chief Disinformation Officer” and accusing him of spreading “alternative facts” in an attempt to revitalize his declining union.

Potential for Legal Challenges

The final outcome of this election is anticipated to be contested, regardless of the ultimate vote count. Among the issues raised are allegations that Amazon pressured the USPS to install an unauthorized ballot box, violating rulings made by the National Labor Relations Board.

This action is part of a larger pattern of complaints regarding the fairness of the election process.