There should be at least one unionized warehouse in the US. CNBC reported that 2,350 workers voted in favor of joining a union at the JFK8 facility in Staten Island. The remaining uncounted and challenged ballots are not expected to affect the outcome.
The decision was made after many challenges. Workers had to file a second petition with the National Labor Relations Board after they didn't get enough signatures. The National Labor Relations Board accused Amazon of interfering with unionization efforts at JFK8 and firing pro-union workers.
Multiple demands have been made by the Amazon Labor Union. Its requests include higher pay, more reasonable productivity targets, and more time off. Amazon has been accused of discouraging time away from work stations and relying on unrealistic quota.
We asked Amazon about it. It is likely to be unhappy with the results. The internet shopping giant was accused of interference elsewhere after spending $4.3 million on anti-union consultants. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union claimed that Amazon interfered with a second unionization vote in Alabama that the National Labor Relations Board deemed necessary due to obstruction during the first election.
If the election results hold, JFK8 would be the first Amazon warehouse with a union. There is no guarantee that other warehouses will follow suit. The second vote was close enough that it will likely be decided by challenged ballots. This initial win for the pro-union camp might influence other votes, since a second Staten Island location is due to vote on April 25th.
In a statement, Amazon said it was disappointed with the Staten Island vote and was considering options that included filing objections to the alleged "inappropriate and undue influence" from the National Labor Relations Board. The Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation supported it.
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