By Jeffrey Dastin

(Reuters) – An official of the U.S. Labor Board determined that Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:) broke federal law at mandatory meetings held in New York City to discourage unionization. A spokesperson for the board stated Friday in what may be a precedent.

Amazon Labor Union (ALU), in March filed a claim alleging that during so-called captive audiences trainings to warn workers about unions the retailer made threats against employees and fired them in favour of organizing.

Kayla Blado, spokesperson for the National Labor Relations Board, stated that now the Brooklyn-based regional director has found merit in the accusations. This could be the first time the illegal captive-audience practices are being deemed illegal. If they do not reach an agreement, the director may issue a complaint which could be brought to the attention of the NLRB at federal level.

Amazon’s compulsory meetings over the past few years have proved a problem for labor organizers. They tried to represent employees at America’s second-largest private employer, but were denied an equal platform to oppose their point of view. The March complaint was filed by employees at New York’s facility. This is the first American Amazon warehouse to vote to unionize.

Amazon has stated that Brooklyn’s region appears to be pro-union. ALU representatives did not respond immediately to request for comment.

Jennifer Abruzzo was the top lawyer at the NLRB. Last month she asked that the board ban employers from making workers go to anti-union meeting. This would be in violation of employees’ right to free choice. Abruzzo indicated that in future cases, she would request the board to change its 1940s precedent which states the meetings are illegal.

Joe Biden was viewed by many as being the most pro-union U.S. President in decades. He appointed Abruzzo last year as general counsel. This independent position from the five person NLRB.