A National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), has suggested that workers at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, hold a new election to decide whether or not to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Although the recommendation is from the hearing officer, it is a preliminary ruling and does not give the union any legal authority. This is a win that many in the labor movement considered a loss.Workers at Amazon's fulfillment center in Bessemer (Alabama) voted against unionization by more than 2 to 1. The result was overturned by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which claimed that Amazon had illegally influenced it. They petitioned the NLRB for the invalidation of the result. The RWDSU raised concerns about a USPS mailbox that was installed in the fulfillment center's parking lot during the drive. According to the union, it gave workers the impression that Amazon had inappropriate access to mailed ballots.The defeat of RWDSUs opened the doors for other unions, including those that plan to organize Amazon workers. The Teamsters launched a nationwide campaign to organize Amazon's vast workforce on June 24th. The Teamsters pledged to spend all resources to make this campaign a success.It appears that RWDSU has another chance. We heard compelling evidence that Amazon attempted to intimidate and interfere with workers' rights to form a union during the hearing at the NLRB, stated Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU president. We agree with the recommendation of the hearing officers that the NLRB cancel the election results and hold a new election. Amazon's conduct throughout the election process was deplorable. They were caught by Amazon cheating and are now being held responsible.Amazon did not respond immediately to a request for comment.The recommendation of the hearing officer is only a preliminary evaluation of the claim and has no legal effect. The acting regional director will issue a decision on the case. This is unlikely to happen for several weeks. Parties to the case still have the right to file exceptions during this time.Amazon's labor problems have spread far beyond Bessemer as the case progresses. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters decided in June to prioritize organizing efforts to Amazon delivery drivers. This created a special division that will focus on company operations for the next five-years. The projects director said that Amazon workers want safer and more comfortable working conditions. We are now activating all the strength of our union to support them.
