Robert Besser
19 Feb 2025, 08:56 GMT+10
RALEIGH, North Carolina: Amazon workers in North Carolina voted against joining a union, giving a big win for the company, which has vehemently opposed unions in its U.S. facilities.
About 75 percent of the 4,300 workers at the Garner warehouse voted against the union, marking a setback for union leaders. A simple majority was needed to form the union.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released the results, showing 2,447 votes against the union and 829 in favor. Amazon says workers are better off having a direct relationship with the company, while union leaders believe collective bargaining is needed for better pay and working conditions.
Union organizers accused Amazon of using illegal tactics to intimidate workers. This vote follows a recent union victory at a Whole Foods location in Philadelphia, but Amazon is challenging that result.
Organizers of the Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE) hoped to form Amazon's second unionized warehouse. Last year, a facility in Staten Island successfully unionized, but Amazon has not recognized that union.
Union membership in the U.S. has been steadily decreasing, with only 9.9 percent of workers in unions last year. North Carolina has the lowest union membership in the country at just 2.4 percent.
CAUSE members wanted higher wages and longer lunch breaks. Workers at the Garner warehouse earn US$18.50 an hour, which is more than double North Carolina's minimum wage. However, CAUSE Secretary Italo Medelius-Marsano said workers walk long distances during their shifts.
During the vote, CAUSE accused Amazon of forcing workers who were livestreaming the results to leave, but Amazon denied this. In its annual report, Amazon said unions limit its flexibility and could hurt its reputation.
Recently, Amazon dismissed nearly 1,700 workers in Quebec after a union vote there, which union officials claim was retaliation. Amazon says the decision to use contractors instead of direct employees will save customers money.
Amazon has also been in a legal battle with the NLRB over a union vote in Bessemer, Alabama, where officials allege misconduct. Amazon is challenging the NLRB's actions in a federal lawsuit.
Get a daily dose of Breaking Property News news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Breaking Property News.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: Amazon has once again been rated the worst major UK grocery retailer by its suppliers when it comes to following fair...
LONDON/NEW YORK/CHICAGO: In suburban Chicago, just 15 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, a small customs brokerage quietly...
NEW YORK, New York, - U.S. stocks were split, but little moved Wednesday after a positive start to the week heralded by a two-day rally....
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Elon Musk is taking a big step toward making his long-promised robotaxi dream a reality. Over the weekend,...
PLANO, Texas: Toyota Motor will raise prices across a range of vehicles in the United States starting next month, the Japanese automaker...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. business activity showed signs of softening in June while inflationary pressures continued to build, driven...
Through Surf City, El Salvador has demonstrated how a sport can serve as the engine of economic growth and social transformation. Today,...
With average house prices rocketing to over a million dollars, the Australian Dream has lost its democratic ethos and is fast becoming...
SEOUL, June 26 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's real wage, adjusted for inflation, rose for the second successive month in April, labor ministry...
SEOUL, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment among South Korean businesses over economic conditions worsened in four months due to geopolitical...
Diddy's Defense Won't Call Witnesses As Trial Nears End UK Crime
Footy fan reveals sneaky hack he and his mates used to get into AFL games for HALF PRICE