Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) election at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama:
Over the past several months, the heroic Amazon workers in Bessemer have voted by mail on whether to form a union with RWDSU-UFCW.
Any employer, corporation or billionaire who tries to intimidate or harass employees to interfere with the democratic voting process is breaking the law, end of story. Amazon workers have a legal right to a truly free and fair union election. They are asking for what should be the standard for every American worker: safe working conditions, fair wages, and dignity and respect on the job.
We will not allow Amazon to bully workers out of exercising their basic freedom. Every single contested ballot must be counted. The National Labor Relations Board must take swift action to hold Amazon accountable for any further misconduct.
Once every vote is counted, no matter the outcome, we know the bravery shown by these workers has made an impact for generations to come. Because, unlike Amazon, we don’t measure success by an algorithm that keeps people overworked and undervalued. Victory in the labor movement is when workers come together to make change despite all obstacles. This is only the beginning.
Contact: Carolyn Bobb, 202-637-5018