North Carolina Amazon Labor Union Vote Fails as Workers Reject Unionization
Garner, NC – Workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in Garner, North Carolina, have voted against forming a union, marking a significant setback for labor organizers seeking to expand union representation within the e-commerce giant. According to Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), the group advocating for unionization, 3,276 ballots were cast in the election. The final count revealed that only 25.3% of workers voted favor unionizing, while 74.7% opposed the effort; the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is set to certify the results.
Amazon Labor Union Vote Faces Strong Opposition
In a statement provided to CNBC, CAUSE strongly accused Amazon of suppressing unionization efforts through what it described as illegal tactics.
“Amazon’s relentless and illegal efforts to intimidate us prove that this company is afraid of workers coming together to claim our power.” The group alleges that Amazon violated labor laws to discourage union support, though no formal legal action has been announced in response to the election results.
Amazon Maintains Workers’ Decision Was Fair
Amazon, which has long opposed unionization within its workforce, denied any wrongdoing. Company spokesperson Eileen Hards responded to the outcome, stating,
“We’re glad that our team in Garner was able to have their voices heard and that they chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon.”
While the North Carolina warehouse rejected unionization, other Amazon locations have seen successful labor organization efforts. In 2022, workers at a Staten Island warehouse voted to form a union, marking a historic victory for organized labor within Amazon. Earlier this year, employees at a Philadelphia Whole Foods, an Amazon-owned grocery chain, also voted to unionize. However, Whole Foods has contested the results and petitioned the NLRB to overturn them.
Amazon’s Broader Legal Battles with the NLRB
Beyond labor disputes, Amazon’s legal team recently joined SpaceX in a lawsuit challenging the structure of the NLRB. The companies argue that the board’s framework is unconstitutional, signaling a broader pushback against federal labor regulations.
What’s Next for Labor Organizers After the Vote?
Despite the loss in North Carolina, CAUSE and other labor groups are expected to continue pushing for unionization efforts in Amazon facilities across the country. The outcome in Garner may serve as a case study for future campaigns, particularly regarding Amazon’s response to organizing efforts. With ongoing legal battles and a shifting labor landscape, the fight over unionization at Amazon is far from over.
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