Amazon employees at its RDU1 fulfillment center in Garner, North Carolina, have overwhelmingly voted against unionizing, according to the National Labor Relations Board. The election, which was open to 4,300 employees, saw about a quarter of workers vote in favor of unionization, while nearly three-quarters rejected the effort.
The independent union, CAUSE, had aimed to achieve higher wages and better working conditions for Amazon employees, including a $30-an-hour minimum wage and full-hour paid breaks. However, Amazon’s corporate response to the campaign has been described as aggressive, with the company holding voluntary employee meetings and displaying posters that highlighted the potential costs of unionization.
CAUSE is notable because it is an independent organization, not affiliated with a larger union, and its fight against Amazon is particularly noteworthy given the company’s size and influence. The National Labor Relations Board had previously received charges alleging unfair labor practices by CAUSE, while Amazon has a record of violating labor law in various states.
North Carolina is a right-to-work state, which has historically made it difficult for unions to gain traction. However, this outcome may have implications for worker advocacy groups and labor unions nationwide.
Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article300253719.html