The US National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Region 20 has filed a complaint against Amazon, accusing the company of unlawfully declining to negotiate.
The federal agency is pursuing an order that would compel Amazon to engage in discussions after DCK6 warehouse workers in San Francisco, who are represented by the Teamsters union, sought recognition in October 2024.
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Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said: “This groundbreaking decision paves the way for more Amazon workers to organise with the Teamsters across the country.
“We know two things are certain — Amazon will continue to break the law and abuse working people, and working people and powerful organisations like the Teamsters will hold them accountable to secure the rights we deserve. Amazon isn’t going to keep getting away with this.”
In December 2024, more than 100 workers from San Francisco joined their fellow Amazon Teamsters on the picket lines during a notable holiday season strike.
This action was in response to Amazon’s refusal to negotiate and highlighted the working conditions at the company, prompting government intervention.
The strike marked a culmination of concerted efforts by the retailer’s drivers and warehouse staff to organise.
The NLRB Region 20’s ruling is anticipated to lead to similar bargaining orders at various locations where Amazon has avoided its duty to negotiate with unions.
Teamsters have formed unions at several Amazon facilities including DBK4 in New York City; DGT8 and DTG5 in Atlanta; KSBD, DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California; DCK6 in San Francisco; and DIL7 in Skokie, Illinois.
They expect the NLRB to reach comparable conclusions in these cases as well, resulting in further orders for Amazon to enter negotiations.
The union members at Amazon are advocating for improved compensation and safer work environments, emphasising that these employees are crucial to the company’s operations due to their handling of thousands of packages daily.
Teamsters Joint Council 7 president and western region international vice president Peter Finn said: “More than 10,000 Amazon workers have joined the Teamsters and we are just getting started.
“Workers at DCK6 are in this fight and Amazon workers will keep fighting until this greedy corporation comes to the bargaining table.”
Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents approximately 1.3 million industrious individuals across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
In December, the US Department of Labor disclosed that Amazon and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reached a corporate-wide settlement aimed at enhancing employee safety from serious musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back injuries, across Amazon’s facilities.
