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First US union representation at Amazon
STORY: For the first time, a US location of the Internet giant Amazon gets a union representation. At a branch in the New York borough of Staten Island, the majority of employees voted for the Amazon Labor Union union. Amazon is the second largest private employer in the United States. 55 percent of employees voted for the new Amazon Labor Union (ALU) on Friday. Labor lawyers have viewed Amazon’s practices as a threat to workers for years. The people have spoken, organizer Christian Smalls said, and the people want a union. “When Jeff Bezos flew into space, we collected signatures down here.” Amazon had warned its employees of the disadvantages of a union by posting notices in toilets and at mandatory meetings. Now one is disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island, a direct relationship with the company is the best for the employees. The company added that it was reviewing options, including an appeal for undue influence by the state Industrial Relations Committee. A spokesman for the National Labor Relations Board said the measures were in line with its mandate. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden was glad workers’ voices were being heard. “He strongly believes that every worker in every state should have a free and fair choice to join a union and the right to bargain collectively with their employer. Union participation in general is picking up steam in the US. Nine Starbucks have -Branch offices voted to organize, more than 150 others are seeking elections.
Union participation in the USA is picking up speed: Nine Starbucks branches have also voted for unionisation, and more than 150 others are seeking elections.