Amazon workers at a unionized warehouse in New York City have voted to authorize a strike, claiming the tech giant has refused to recognize their union and negotiate a contract. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said Amazon risks a strike if it doesn’t begin negotiations by Sunday.
The union, which represents around 5,500 workers at the facility, is seeking better pay and safety protections. In 2022, Amazon workers won a unionization vote but remain without a contract.
Amazon has filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over the outcome, claiming that NLRB officials showed bias towards the workers and that union leaders bribed colleagues to win support. However, these challenges have failed to overturn the union’s victory.
Workers are now alleging that Amazon is trying to delay contract negotiations through an “illegal effort.” The Teamsters have denied these allegations.
A strike authorization vote allows union leadership to declare a work stoppage if deemed necessary, but it doesn’t guarantee a strike will occur. This marks the first time workers at an Amazon warehouse in New York City are taking collective action.
The dispute highlights labor tensions between tech giants and their employees. Other Amazon facilities have also seen worker activism, with some workers citing poor working conditions and inadequate pay.
A second facility in Queens has also authorized a strike, as workers claim they face tough conditions while fighting against a “mega-corporation” that allegedly breaks the law.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/amazon-workers-authorize-strike-companys-unionized-warehouse/story?id=116767350