North Carolina Amazon Workers Reject Unionization Vote

Amazon Warehouse Workers in North Carolina Reject Unionization

The outcome of a union election held at an Amazon facility in Garner, North Carolina, was revealed today, with workers voting against unionizing.

Election Results and Certification

As reported by Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), the organization advocating for the union, a total of 3,276 ballots were submitted. The vote tally showed 25.3% in favor of unionization, while 74.7% opposed the measure.

Formal certification of these results is still pending review by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

CAUSE Response and Allegations

CAUSE released a statement to CNBC, attributing the results to what they describe as “Amazon’s willingness to break the law.” They assert that the company’s extensive efforts to discourage unionization involved illegal intimidation tactics.

The group believes these actions demonstrate Amazon’s fear of employees organizing to enhance their collective bargaining power.

Amazon’s Statement

Eileen Hards, an Amazon spokesperson, refuted the allegations of unlawful conduct. She stated, “We’re glad that our team in Garner was able to have their voices heard, and that they chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon.”

Unionization Efforts at Other Amazon Locations

Despite this outcome, unionization efforts have seen success elsewhere. In 2022, employees at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York, voted to unionize.

Furthermore, workers at a Whole Foods store in Philadelphia, which is owned by Amazon, also recently voted in favor of union representation. However, Whole Foods has petitioned the NLRB to invalidate those results.

Legal Challenges Involving Amazon and the NLRB

Amazon is currently involved in a legal challenge alongside SpaceX, contesting the structure of the National Labor Relations Board. The company’s legal team is actively participating in this ongoing case.