Amazon‘s workers forced the company to recognise a union for the first time in US history.
Employees at a New York storehouse proposed 55 in favour of being part of the Amazon Labour Union.
The group is led by former Amazon employee, Mr. Chris Smalls, made his name protesting against safety conditions at the retail titan during the Covid-19 period.
55 workers at an Amazon storehouse in New York voted to join the Amazon Labour Union.
The group is led by former Amazon employee, Chris Smalls, who made his name protesting against safety conditions at the retail titan during the Covid-19 period.
Mr. Smalls’ win marks a considerable loss for Amazon, which had strongly kicked against unionisation.
Still, in Alabama, where Amazon was facing a separate union drive, the company appeared to have fenced off activists in an impenetrable contest in which challenged ballots could yet upset that result.
And, the elections mark a new beginning for activists, who have been fighting against unfavourably labour practices at Amazon, the United State’s second largest employer.
Mr. Smalls arose from the vote count seemingly tired but triumphant, and popped open a bottle of champagne he was provided by his comrades.
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“We did whatever it took to connect with these workers,” Mr. Smalls informed the crowd.
“I hope that everybody’s paying attention now because a lot of people doubted us.”
As a result of the New York loss, Amazon said it was evaluating its next steps. According to the company, regulators improperly influenced the vote.
“We believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees,” Amazon said. “We’re evaluating our options, including filing objections based on the inappropriate and undue influence by the National Labor Relations Board”.
In 2020, Amazon fired Mr. Smalls after he raised a coronavirus complaint alleging quarantine violations. He worked for Amazon for more than four years. The Amazon Labour Union was established last year and has been calling for higher wages, stronger medical benefits, antidiscrimination policies, and better leave policy. In a 2654-2131 victory, the Staten Island warehouse workers’ union will be able to negotiate a contract with Amazon. Another union campaign, planned for later this month at a smaller warehouse in the same industrial park, is also led by his team. “There’s no doubt in my mind we’re going to be successful in that one as well,” Mr. Smalls said.
“Watching all of this come true is pretty crazy,” Karen Ponce, an Amazon employee and secretary of the Amazon Labour Union said.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
