Workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in Garner, North Carolina, recently voted against joining a union, continuing a trend of employees choosing not to seek union representation. Approximately 75% of the workers cast their ballots against a grassroots labor group known as Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment, according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
A total of 2,447 workers opposed the union, while 829 supported it. The NLRB indicated that around 4,300 Amazon employees were eligible to vote in this recent election, which spanned from Monday to Saturday.
Rev. Ryan Brown, who co-founded the organizing group and is a former Amazon employee, expressed that they were prepared for this outcome. He acknowledged the difficult historical context in the South where awareness about union benefits is limited among many workers.
This decision comes shortly after a Whole Foods Market location in Pennsylvania voted to unionize, marking the first successful unionization in that grocery chain, which is owned by Amazon. In response to the Pennsylvania union victory, Whole Foods has sought to challenge the election results, arguing that the voting process was compromised.
Unionization efforts have had mixed outcomes for Amazon employees. In 2022, workers at a Staten Island warehouse successfully unionized, but Amazon has contested that election and has resisted negotiating a contract. Notably, Amazon has also successfully combated unionization efforts at other facilities.
Recently, the NLRB ordered a new election for Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, after ruling that the company committed violations that warranted a redo of the voting process.
Workers associated with the Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment began their organizing initiatives in January 2022, with Brown expressing concerns over the company’s health protections during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Amazon has stated that it already offers many of the same benefits that unions advocate for, including a safe work environment and competitive pay.
An Amazon spokesperson, Eileen Hards, shared that they are pleased the Garner team chose to maintain a direct relationship with the company, emphasizing the importance of employee feedback.
