Amazon to get hearing that could overturn New York union vote, labor board official says
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Amazon Labor Union organizers display signs at the LDJ5 Amazon Sort Center, April 25, 2022 in New York City.
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Amazon‘s objections to a landmark union election at a company warehouse in New York City justify a hearing that could overturn the result, a U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) official said.
Online retailer accused the Brooklyn office of the NLRB of supporting the union drive. They also claimed that organizers tried to intimidate workers into voting in favor.
Amazon obtained the case transfer last month to the NLRB’s Phoenix-based area by citing its conduct. Cornele Overstreet was the director of the office and said that Amazon’s evidence could “could prove grounds to overturn the election,” in a Friday filing.
About 55% of Amazon employees who voted in Staten Island’s JFK8 warehouse opted for joining the Amazon Labor Union, which advocates higher wages and better job security. The turnout was 58%.
This election was the first time that Amazon’s employees in the United States had voted to unionize during its nearly 28-year-old history. It represented a win for organized labor, which has long sought greater worker protections at America’s second largest private employer.
Overstreet failed to specify which Amazon 25 objections might have the potential of invalidating the election’s outcome. Overstreet stated that parties could present evidence starting May 23. Then, an NLRB hearing officers will decide whether or not to accept the results. It could take up to weeks.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said, “We want our employees to have their voices heard, and in this case, that didn’t happen – fewer than a third of the employees at the site voted for the union.”
Reps from the ALU/NLRB didn’t immediately reply to inquiries for comment. Amazon’s objections, according to the ALU, have no merit and serve only to stop certification of the union. It also claims that workers were never coerced by it.
According to the NLRB, Amazon’s enforcement actions have been in line with Congress mandate.
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