Amazon fights to stop union in poorest Alabama town — while profits soar

Latest

Excerpts below are from union organizers who spoke with democracynow.org about the union drive at Amazon’s Bessemer, Alabama warehouse. It the union wins, it will be the first time an Amazon warehouse has been unionized in the entire country. The plant is mostly Black, mostly women and the largely Black city of Bessemer is one of the poorest in Alabama. Amazon has hired a Koch brothers linked union buster to break the drive.

New Yorkers in solidarity with Amazon workers
New Yorkers show their solidarity with Amazon workers in Alabama. Support is growing nationally for the workers right to organize.
Photo / Erik McGregor

Jennifer Bates: We’re organizing because . . . of the conditions; long work hours with only two breaks, long walks upstairs and downstairs . . . plenty of elevators . . . , but they’re only used for merchandise. . . so there are a lot of health issues . . .  [and] with COVID-19, they told us that they would advise us of those who have it or if we work near. . . [but]  they haven’t done well with that . . .  They’ve put [anti-union] flyers on bathroom stalls. . . and they’re coming to our workstations  . . . so even some of the younger people are afraid . . .  [and they’re telling people], “If you vote the union, Amazon will shut down, so there won’t be any jobs here.

Michael Foster:  Amazon is very powerful, one of the most profitable businesses in the U.S. right now. And we, as the union, trying to take on Amazon in a right-to-work state . . .  is the perfect image of David and Goliath. 

Jennifer Bates:  [Winning the union] will change history. . .  Amazon is choosing a lot of low-income communities. And it’s bringing a lot of light . . . you’re working in a facility where in the last three months they accumulated $90-something billion, and none of the employees received anything for this. I like to tell the employees . . . you guys are Amazon. Without you guys, there is no Amazon.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘Jesus Is Being Tear Gassed At Broadview’

The struggle to close the Broadview ICE facility in Chicago includes clergy who are part of a movement of religious leaders opposed to the assault on immigrants.

No Kings Rallies Show the Fight Is On!

No Kings Day showed the rising awareness of people to how dangerous the situation is, that everyone’s rights, living standards, and democracy itself is in danger. Millions are mobilizing in diverse ways to confront the situation.

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

More from the People's Tribune