Amazon workers voted against unionization near Albany facility

Workers at an Amazon facility near Albany have voted against Amazon Labor Union. Therefore, the union will not be able to represent the workers. Moreover, the voting result is a major blow for Amazon Labor Union’s efforts to organize employees across the company.

Voting results

According to the voting results published by National Labor Relations Board more than 600 employees participated in the voting. 206 workers voted in favor to unionize whereas 406 employees voted against union representation. The workers voted in person for four days and National Labor Relations Board officials monitored the voting process. Furthermore, a total of about 950 employees were eligible to participate in the voting process. Amazon Labor Union is run by current and former Amazon warehouse workers unaffiliated with traditional unions.

Union’s success back in April

Previously, in April workers at Amazon’s facility at Staten Island voted in favor of unionization efforts which was a surprising victory for the union. Moreover, the successful vote in favor of union also led to the formation of first ever union of the company’s warehouse employees in the United States. However, the voting at Albany facility is the second unsuccessful election where the union failed to secure the required votes.

“We’re glad that our team in Albany was able to have their voices heard, and that they chose to keep the direct relationship with Amazon as we think that this is the best arrangement for both our employees and customers. We will continue to work directly with our teammates in Albany, as we do everywhere, to keep making Amazon better every day.” Kelly Nantel an Amazon spokeswoman said in her statement.

Amazon Labor Union Stance

On the other hand, Amazon Labor Union’s president Chris Smalls expressed his displeasure over Amazon’s actions leading up to the vote. He claimed that Amazon has interfered with the process. Moreover, he claimed that the company used intimidation and harassment tactics to threat the workers. Furthermore, those who volunteered as election observers were threatened with the loss of their jobs. “The suits at Amazon corporate know that they can’t win without putting their thumb on the scale,” Smalls added.

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