Joe Biden states Alabama unionization is “a vitally important choice”
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. Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union. pic.twitter.com/2lzbyyii1g — President Biden (@POTUS) March 1, 2021 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.
Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama to vote on union
Amazon workers at an Alabama warehouse will vote next week on whether to unionize in one of the most visible labor-organizing pushes at the online retailing giant. Employees at the Bessemer facility are seeking to form a union to represent the full and part-time workers at the center. The employees are seeking to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Mail-in balloting begins Feb. 8, under a decision posted last month by the National Labor Relations Board. “We face outrageous work quotas that have left many with illnesses and lifetime injuries,” the site reads. The site takes the familiar swoosh on the Amazon logo and turns it upside down to look like a frown. Amazon has said that since the warehouse opened in March, it has created thousands of full-time jobs in Bessemer, with average pay of $15.30 an hour, including full healthcare, vision and dental insurance. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
