FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2021

Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259

NLRB HEARING OFFICER RECOMMENDS NEW ELECTION AT AMAZON IN BESSEMER, ALABAMA

Workers Await Formal Decision on Objections and Direction of a Second Election

(BESSEMER, AL) – Today, the hearing officer for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) formally submitted her initial recommendation on the Objections filed by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). The union had charged Amazon with illegal misconduct during the union vote in Bessemer, Alabama. In a final step towards a formal decision, the Hearing Officer who presided over the case has determined that Amazon violated labor law; and is recommending that the Regional Director set aside the results of the election and direct a second election.

Workers endured an intensive anti-union campaign designed by Amazon to intimidate and interfere with their choice on whether or not to form a union. Today’s recommendation is based on Amazon’s illegal tactics and shows how the company was willing to use any and all tactics, illegal or otherwise, to stop workers from forming a union. Workers now await a formal Decision on Objections from the Regional Director, which would include a Direction of a Second Election if the hearing officer’s recommendation is adopted.

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) issued the following statement in support of the initial recommendation:

“Throughout the NLRB hearing, we heard compelling evidence how Amazon tried to illegally interfere with and intimidate workers as they sought to exercise their right to form a union. We support the hearing officer’s recommendation that the NLRB set aside the election results and direct a new election. As President Biden reminded us earlier this year, the question of whether or not to have a union is supposed to be the workers’ decision and not the employer’s. Amazon’s behavior throughout the election process was despicable. Amazon cheated, they got caught, and they are being held accountable.”

NOTE: Please contact the NLRB directly and follow their procedures to potentially receive a copy of the recommendation. 

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 The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members throughout the United States. The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information, please visit our website at www.rwdsu.org, Facebook:/RWDSU.UFCW Twitter:@RWDSU.