Amazon workers in North Carolina voted decisively against unionization, marking a significant win for the retail giant amidst ongoing labor organizing efforts. Nearly three-quarters of the warehouse workers at the Garner facility, totaling approximately 4,300 eligible voters, opted not to join the grassroots union known as Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE). According to the National Labor Relations Board, the vote concluded with 2,447 against union representation and 829 in favor, with some ballots challenged, leading to a clear setback for union officials who were keen to represent Amazon’s large workforce.

This vote comes shortly after workers at a Whole Foods location, also owned by Amazon, successfully unionized, creating a contrast to the outcome in North Carolina, where the campaign faced heavy resistance from Amazon. The company has maintained its position that employees benefit from direct communication with management, bypassing union involvement entirely. Company spokesperson Eileen Hards expressed satisfaction with the election results, stating, “We’re glad that our team in Garner was able to have their voices heard, and that they chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon,” as reported by CBS News.

The union had pushed for significant benefits, such as a starting wage of $30 per hour, longer breaks, and better working conditions. In contrast, the current hourly wage at the Garner facility ranges from $18 to $24, more than double North Carolina's minimum wage but not enough to sway the majority of votes for unionization. Rev. Ryan Brown, co-founder of CAUSE, acknowledged the uphill battle unions face in the South, where awareness and understanding of union benefits are often limited. Union officials claimed the vote suppression was the result of Amazon’s alleged intimidation tactics, calling them “relentless and illegal,” according to Reuters.

This rejection is the latest chapter in a growing tension between Amazon and organized labor. While some facilities have moved toward union representation, like the successful Staten Island effort in 2022, Amazon remains steadfast in opposing these unionization drives. Furthermore, the company is currently contesting labor board rulings related to prior elections and has sought to disqualify recent union victories while facing increased scrutiny over its treatment of workers.

As reported by The New York Times, experts note that the decline of union membership nationally—down to 9.9%—makes the landscape challenging for efforts like CAUSE, which had gained some momentum prior to the election.

Despite the loss, CAUSE representatives indicated their intent to continue advocating for better conditions within Amazon, hinting at the possibility of future attempts to organize the workforce at the Garner site.

For more details, visit the original articles on Channel News Asia or NPR.