A Movement To Unionize Workers At Amazon Is Gaining Momentum

Last Tuesday, Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the world, said he’s ready to step down from his title as chief executive officer. Bezos said in a company blog post, “As much as I still tap dance into the office, I’m excited about this transition. Millions of customers depend on us for our services, and more than a million employees depend on us for their livelihoods. Being the CEO of Amazon is a deep responsibility, and it’s consuming. When you have a responsibility like that, it’s hard to put attention on anything else.”

Bezos added, “As exec chair, I will stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives, but also have the time and energy I need to focus on the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue Origin, the Washington Post and my other passions. I’ve never had more energy, and this isn’t about retiring. I’m super passionate about the impact I think these organizations can have.” It’s understandable, after over 25 grueling years, Bezos would like to extricate himself from the exhausting daily responsibilities of running the online retail giant.

Amazon employs over 1 million workers. It’s the second largest employer in the U.S.—after Walmart. Overseeing this sprawling international empire can be taxing, even on arguably one of the best CEOs in modern history. However, there’s another challenge ahead: an emerging movement to unionize workers at Amazon. A vote will be taken in an Alabama facility to determine if the warehouse becomes the company’s first unionized U.S. facility.

Ballots went out on Monday to over 5,800 workers at Amazon’s Bessemer, Ala. fulfillment center and warehouse. The employees will be asked if they would like to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

According to Wired, “Alabama isn’t exactly known as a hotbed of labor organizing; it’s a right-to-work state with a union membership rate of 8%, nearly three points below the national average (itself near an all-time low). The Birmingham suburb of Bessemer, however, has a deep history of strong unions that haven’t been shy about striking.”

There have been a number of complaints from employees at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Workers have alleged that they are given back-breaking tasks in the warehouses. They also complain of intrusive surveillance technologies, including automated tracking systems and cameras that track their every move. There is a palpable fear that if workers don’t meet specified quotas, they’ll be fired.

Rachael Lighty, an Amazon spokesperson, addressed this matter, stating, “Amazon already offers what unions are requesting for employees: industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits from the first day on the job, opportunities for career growth, all while working in a safe, modern and inclusive work environment. At Amazon, these benefits and opportunities come with the job, as does the ability to communicate directly with the leadership of the company.”

Amazon attempted to delay the voting, but it was denied by the National Labor Relations Board. In an ironic turn of events, Amazon requested a postponement of the vote, which would be conducted by mail, stating that it should be done in person. Bezos is also the owner of the Washington Post, which actively argued that the 2020 presidential election shouldn’t be held in person and ballots should be cast through the mail to minimize the spread of Covid-19.

Amazon spokesperson Lisa Levandowski said, “Our employees choose to work at Amazon because we offer some of the best jobs available everywhere we hire, and we encourage anyone to compare our overall pay, benefits, and workplace environment to any other company with similar jobs.”

RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum said, “More than half of the workers have signed cards in support of union representation.” Appelbaum told NPR, “Workers at the warehouse had described grueling productivity quotas and had wanted more input in shaping the workplace, including how people get disciplined or fired.”

Senator Bernie Sanders, in support of the union election, tweeted on Saturday, “It cannot be overstated how powerful it will be if Amazon workers in Alabama vote to form a union.” Sanders added, “They are taking on powerful anti-union forces in a strong anti-union state, but their victory will benefit every worker in America. I’m proud to stand with them.”

If this group unionized and it spreads across the country, there could be serious ramifications for the company. The workers will have much more bargaining power. They will certainly push for better working conditions, higher pay, job security, enhanced health benefits, pensions and other forms of remuneration. They would likely push back on technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence that steals jobs from people.

These demands would incur greater costs for Amazon. It may make the company less profitable and affect the bottom line. The stock price could take a hit. Bezos may fall from first place as the wealthiest man in the world. Now, it is making more sense as to why Bezos relinquished his CEO title last week.