WASHINGTON: Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama have begun voting on whether to form the first American union at the e-commerce giant, an effort that could pave the way for further unionisation in the US at one of the world’s most powerful companies.
Employees at its BHM1 facility in Bessemer, Alabama, notified authorities of their plan to unionise in November. In addition to safety, the campaign is urging employees to vote in favour of improving procedures covering grievances, discipline and termination. In addition to flyers posted in bathrooms, it has held meetings for workers to make the case against unions and launched a website called “#DoItWithoutDues”.
Amazon also says it has invested billions in worker safety even as it has boosted the number of its employees.If a majority vote in favour, they will automatically be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union but will only become full members after approval of a new company contract, negotiated between the union and Amazon.