Amazon is in their feelings about the Alabama union vote
When my job is annoying, I think to myself, “Today’s the day I quit.” Sadly, I am such a procrastinator that by the time I actually get motivated to do something about it, 50 years will have gone by, and I will find myself with a nifty gold watch. That being said, Amazon workers have been feeling more than annoyed with their jobs lately- and they are about to get all Norma Rae up in this bitch.
The less than desirable work conditions during the pandemic (oh, and also, before the pandemic…) are no secret; so it seems that frustrated employees have three choices: they could stick it out with the way things are, they could quit, or they could unionize.
For those that want to quit, Amazon is offering employees that have seen two peak seasons $2000 to quit their job. Seems like a sweet deal. (I would quit my job for far less.) If that’s not enough they’re also being told they could have their jobs back later.
If quitting is not an option, Amazon employees at one particular warehouse in Alabama have been gearing up to vote on the first union in the company’s US history. Voting will go on through March 29th and will include a retail, wholesale, and department store union. President Biden just voiced his support for the workers’ right to vote.
Amazon is scared. Unions could hurt their bottom line, and even though the rumblings of organizing have been happening for a while, the company has done its best to prevent workers from uniting. They have even employed people to spy on union organizers. (Whoa… that has me shaken… not stirred.)
My question is, why is Amazon so afraid of a unionized workforce? Maybe:
- They won’t be able to respond to company problems as quickly or directly.
- Employees won’t be able to speak for themselves as effectively.
- They are afraid of losing money by having to pay higher wages.
- The company is nervous about facing strikes and delays in production/shipping.
- The union might make them reinstate Casual Friday.
Unsure. But if Amazon is putting this much thought into unions, you know that this vote could have some real effects on the company and its workers.
Amazon you many-faced goddess, are there any lines you won’t cross? A picket line, I guess.
