Updated Aug 2, 2021 - Economy

Amazon may have violated law in Alabama warehouse vote, NLRB says

Rebecca Falconer

The Amazon.com, Inc. BHM1 fulfillment center is seen before sunrise on March 29, 2021 in Bessemer, Alabama. — The Amazon BHM1 fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama, should hold a new election to determine whether to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, the National Labor Relations Board said in a preliminary finding Monday.

Details: The e-commerce giant may have illegally interfered in a mail-in election tallied in April on whether workers at the plant should unionize, per a statement from an NLRB hearing officer assigned to the case. Amazon said it would appeal any ruling stipulating that a second vote should take place.

What they're saying: Union president Stuart Appelbaum said in a statement to news outlets that it supports the hearing officer's recommendation that the NLRB set aside the election results and direct a new election.

"Throughout the NLRB hearing, we heard compelling evidence how Amazon tried to illegally interfere with and intimidate workers as they sought to exercise their right to form a union," he said.

The other side: "Our employees had a chance to be heard during a noisy time when all types of voices were weighing into the national debate, and at the end of the day, they voted overwhelmingly in favor of a direct connection with their managers and the company," Amazon said in an emailed statement to Axios.

"Their voice should be heard above all else, and we plan to appeal to ensure that happens."

Flashback: Amazon defeats union effort at Alabama plant

Editor's note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Amazon may have violated law in Alabama warehouse vote, NLRB says

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