Judge orders Amazon to reinstate warehouse worker unlawfully fired over safety protests

Photo by Natt Garun / The Verge

Two years ago, an employee was fired by Amazon for participating in safety protests at a Staten Island warehouse.

On April 6th 2020, Gerald was protesting outside of the Amazon facility when he got into an argument with an employee. The court filings show that both Bryson and the employee used profanities against each other. The employee replied "it's the only job open so appreciate it", after Bryson said that Amazon should shut down the warehouse for failing to adequately protect workers.

While giving the other worker a written warning, Amazon fired him for violating the company's policy against using abusive, vulgar, or harassing language.

In March, the National Labor Relations Board took up the case of a man who was fired for protesting safety conditions. On Monday, Benjamin W. Green agreed with the analysis and ruled that Amazon must pay Bryson two years of lost earnings as well as restore his job.

Green said there was evidence that showed the reason for discharging Bryson was just a pretext.

According to Green, the comment that was made about going back to the Bronx could be construed as racial since he is African-American.

Kelly Nantel, a spokeswoman for Amazon, told APNews that the company will appeal the decision. On April 1st, the JFK8 warehouse became the first Amazon warehouse to unionize.

He told The New York Times that his victory would make Amazon employees want to unionize. You have to fight for what you believe in.

You can read the full ruling from judge Green.