Workers at a second Staten Island Amazon warehouse, LDJ5, reportedly rejected unionization in a 380 to 618 vote, according to CNBC. Additionally, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reportedly has ruled that Amazon’s objections to the successful unionization vote at a different Staten Island facility, JFK8, are sufficient to justify a hearing that could overturn the result, according to Reuters.
The results of the latest vote still need to be formally certified by the NLRB. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU), which led the unionization effort, plans to challenge the outcome of the election, according to Seth Goldstein, an attorney representing the organization. The ALU called for workers at LDJ5 to earn at least $30 per hour, up from Amazon’s average starting pay of $18 per hour. The union also has called for longer breaks and improved benefits.
Amazon discouraged employees at the facility from unionizing through mandatory meetings where employees were presented with anti-union presentations, according to CNBC. Amazon also hired a pollster to assist with its campaigns on Staten Island and at other locations.
“We’re glad that our team at LDJ5 were able to have their voices heard,” said Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to work directly together as we strive to make every day better for our employees.”
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A third union election has still not been finalized. The Bessmer, Ala. facility election was too close to call during the March 2022 vote — the pro-union bloc lost by 118 votes, but there are 416 challenged ballots. Even if the effort falls short, the outcome will be much closer than the resounding defeat pro-union workers saw in 2021 during an election at the same facility.
The potential rejection of JFK8’s unionization hinges on accusations that the NLRB’s Brooklyn office appeared to support the union drive and allegations that labor organizers intimidated workers to vote in favor, according to Reuters. As a result, Amazon had the case transferred to the NLRB’s Phoenix, Ariz. Region, where the office agreed there “could be grounds for overturning the election.” However, the NLRB did not specify which of Amazon’s 25 objections could invalidate the outcome.
Both parties will start presenting their testimony on May 23, after which an NLRB hearing officer will recommend whether to uphold the result. The process could take weeks before a decision is reached.
