Newsletter
Unionized workers at Amazon, along with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), have some serious accusations for the company. This is a result of the accusations and claims that Amazon made delicate changes to policies without proper consultation. According to the indignant parties, these policy changes aimed at rendering unionization efforts useless.
In a search for justice and fair treatment, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is taking Amazon to court. Filings for this complaint have already been filed and are awaiting court action. From the complaint, it is clear that Amazon might have broken some major labor laws.
To strengthen their claims, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) pulled on a rather formidable weapon. A statement made by Amazon’s CEO regarding unionization after workers voted for the motion. Whilst this said the statement was made back in 2022, it still reflects the company’s view on unionized workers.
An abrupt change of policies is a slap to Amazon’s unionized workers and in defiance of labor laws
Despite having thousands of warehouses across the US, only Staten Island have been able to pull through with unionization efforts. The workers in the warehouse fought for this in a bid to get better treatments as workers alongside other benefits. But, their employers are not keen on seeing the workers form a union and have openly kicked against this effort.
To show their disapproval of this unionization effort that saw its actualization in 2022, Amazon has taken some drastic measures. These actions from Amazon aim at making workers shy away from joining the existing union or creating any other union. Not only has Amazon let go of two staff members because of their association with a union, but they have also changed a few policies.
The policy in question is the paid-leave for COVID-19 cases, and this was dear to most workers. Due to the devastating effects of the virus in the US, this policy was put up by the company to assist its staff. This policy was a big aid for staff that tested positive for COVID-19 and gave them up to two weeks’ leave to recuperate.
Before deciding to change the paid-leave policy for COVID-19 cases, Amazon didn’t consult the unionized workers. This might be a result of not wanting to recognize the union and their opinions. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claims that not consulting with Amazon unionized workers is against the labor laws.
In addition to this, a statement from Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, is serving as a bone of contention. Sometime last year, the CEO said during an interview that union workers might be less empowered in the workplace. This statement has become a solid argument for union workers and federal bodies and Amazon unionized workers. More details on this court case will be available in the coming weeks.