Amazon Fires Alabama Warehouse Worker Who Led Union Push
An Amazon worker who played a prominent role in organizing an unsuccessful unionization effort at a warehouse in Alabama has been fired by the company.
Jennifer Bates, known for testifying about her challenging experience at Amazon, was terminated after returning from medical leave due to job-related injuries.
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which led the unionization campaign, expressed disappointment over the decision.
Bates, in a statement, condemned Amazon’s actions and vowed that the termination would not deter workers from organizing and fighting for their rights.
According to Amazon, Bates has the option to appeal the decision. A company spokesperson stated that Bates had failed to report to work and did not provide documentation to justify her absences.
Amazon emphasized its efforts to accommodate personal leaves of absence but maintained certain expectations for leave approval.
The firing of Bates has the potential to reignite tensions between Amazon and workers who have sought to unionize amid concerns about the company’s pandemic response and racial inequities.
Although Amazon workers at a New York warehouse voted to form a union last year, the company has refused to recognize the union or engage in negotiations. Previous attempts to unionize Amazon facilities, including one near the New York warehouse, have also been unsuccessful.
The highly publicized union election at the Bessemer facility resulted in inconclusive results due to numerous challenged ballots.
The National Labor Relations Board is currently reviewing challenges filed against Amazon by the RWDSU, which accuses the company of illegal activities during the campaign. Amazon has also filed its own objections to the conduct of the RWDSU.
The President of the RWDSU, Stuart Appelbaum, criticized Amazon for firing a prominent pro-union worker leader over a purported paperwork issue.
Appelbaum accused Amazon of attempting to suppress union support by terminating union leaders within the facility. The RWDSU vowed to hold Amazon accountable and ensure that the rights of workers in Bessemer, Alabama are protected under the law.
