President Joe Biden weighed in on the fight Alabama Amazon workers are in regarding unionization. Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, are close to becoming the first to form a union at Amazon. The last time this happened at Amazon was back in 2014 at a warehouse in Delaware. According to the New York Times, this move is a major milestone for organized labor, which has tried unsuccessfully to make headway at Amazon to no avail, reported Alabama Today.
President Biden posted on Twitter, “Workers in Alabama – and all across America – are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. It’s a vitally important choice – one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers. Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union.” The tweet also had a video with more details on his stance.
Workers in Alabama – and all across America – are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. It’s a vitally important choice – one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 1, 2021
Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union. pic.twitter.com/2lzbyyii1g
According to the Associated Press, Amazon has tried to delay the vote in Bessemer. One way was to deny mail-in voting. However, that attempt failed, and voting by mail started in mid-February. It will continue until the end of March. A majority of the 6,000 employees have to vote “yes” to unionize successfully.
Amazon spokeswoman Rachael Lighty argues that Amazon already offers workers the benefits of a union, including pay that starts at $15 an hour. However, some workers argue that Amazon is extremely strict about production, which requires workers to be on their feet most of their 10-hour shift. One Bessemer worker, Jennifer Bates, reported they only offer one 30 minute lunch break. Bathroom breaks are closely monitored, as are getting a drink of water or getting new work gloves. Amazon denies these allegations.
