Amazon Faces Another Accusation of Illegal Anti-Union Behavior

Amazon has been accused again by the US labor board prosecutors of allegedly violating labor law by unilaterally changing policies and terminating union supporters at its unionized warehouse. The board also accused CEO Andy Jassy of making anti-union comments.

Amazon Workers Hold First UK Strike — COVENTRY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Amazon workers hold GMB union placards on the picket line as they hold a strike outside the Amazon fulfilment centre on January 25, 2023 in Coventry, England. Hundreds of Amazon workers at the fulfilment centre voted to walk out over the company's 50 pence per hour pay offer. An industrial action ballot saw a majority of more than 98 per of workers vote to strike. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Anti-Union Behavior Accusation

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against Amazon for changing its policies to immobilize union support at its only unionized warehouse in Staten Island, New York City. According to a report from Engadget, Amazon restricted employees to visit their unionized warehouse during their time off, discouraging them from engaging in labor activism.

Amazon was also accused of terminating two employees because of their association with the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) and changing its paid-leave policy for COVID-19 cases unilaterally despite not having negotiations with the organizations of the workers. The complaint says that the company should be forced to rescind its policy for at least three years.

CEO Andy Jassy's Anti-Union Comments

Officials of the board issued the complaints and named the prominent executives who are relatively unusual. Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy was also included in the complaint for allegedly breaking the federal labor law by saying illegal anti-labor comments during his interview at The New York Times Deal Book Summit last December.

Jassy stated that union representation would make workers less empowered and would make it harder for them to have direct relationships with employees in managerial positions. He also said similar comments to CNBC and Bloomberg News, in which a previous complaint was filed by the NLRB.

CNBC reported that ALU Attorney Seth Goldstein believes billionaires should be held accountable for unlawful actions. He stated, "The complaint is going to send a strong message to the union-busters and to CEOs like Jassy who think that they can say whatever they want to and they won't be held accountable."

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The federal labor law allows companies to vocally oppose unionization but restricts them from threatening workers for organizing as it requires companies to negotiate over working conditions if employees voted to unionize. NLRB described these comments from the CEO as "interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees."

Amazon's Response

Amazon repeatedly denied these accusations, saying that they look forward to showing that through the legal process, spokesperson Eileen Hards stated. Bloomberg reported that the company argues that the union's landmark election victory last year should be overturned due to misconduct, which is a signal from them that this will pursue in federal court.

The issued complaints are heard by agency judges. Their rulings can be appealed to the labor board members in Washington, leading to federal court. The agency has the power and authority to order companies to reinstate workers and change policies but not to fine them damages or hold executives liable for violations.