How Amazon Fends Off Unions

Amazon workers have held an increased number of protests over the last year, which is one sign that momentum to organize has picked up among some of its 650,000 worldwide employees. But unionizing efforts so far have not succeeded. Amazon increased minimum wage to $15 an hour last year and offers generous benefits. It's also fending off unions using tweets, training videos and internal hires. Watch the video to learn what unions are all about and how they could impact Amazon and its workers.

*** Correction *** This video incorrectly refers to Amazon's spokesperson as Rachael Lightly. Her name is Rachael Lighty.

Three big unions that are talking to Amazon workers are the Teamsters, the United Food & Commercial Workers Union, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, among others. Recent worker protests point to organizing efforts.

On Amazon Prime Day in July, a handful of Amazon workers at a fulfillment center in Shakopee, Minnesota, went on strike. It was the first strike by U.S. workers during the company's annual sales events that started five years ago, and one of several protests that's taken place in the U.S. in the past year.

Throughout Amazon's 25-year history, there have been multiple rumblings of workers trying to unionize. So far, none of the efforts have been successful. With record-breaking sales numbers and newly doubled shipping speeds, however, momentum to organize has picked up among some of Amazon's more than 650,000 worldwide employees.

Efforts to curb union activity inside Amazon include a leaked training video that was sent to Whole Foods managers in 2018. In it, an animated man wearing a yellow safety vest says, "We are not anti-union, but we are not neutral either. We do not believe unions are in the best interest of our customers or shareholders or most importantly, our associates."

It goes on to give tips to managers for spotting union activity. "Make it a point to regularly talk to associates in the break room. This will help protect you from accusations that you were only in the break room to spy on pro union associates." Amazon notes the training video has not been used since last year and says it was in compliance with the National Labor Relations Act.

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How Amazon Fends Off Unions

[Psychology]

"We are not anti-union but we are not neutral either."

So you're pro-union?

[ShaunDreclin]

"We're not anti-union, we just don't want unions"

[OneManOnFire]

I worked at Costco for 5 years that had a union. The other Costco in town was not a union with the same pay and benefits. I have a pension thanks to the union plus 401k. If I worked at the non union I wouldn't have that pension.

[TimErwin]

Reporter: "So, Amazon spokesperson, is your company terrible, immoral, or satanic?"

Amazon spokesperson: "Hmm...I think my company is wonderful! And that is my true, unbiased, objective opinion as a worker who would be fired if I said otherwise."

[Tregphx]

Any company that feels the need to brag about being anti union is a company that probably needs to be unionized.

[kc_]

"If you don't like your job, you don't strike! You just go in every day, and do it really half assed. That's the American way." - Homer Simpson

[SG]

Of course no company needs union, it's the employees who need it

[Itsallaboutlove]

It’s interesting that unions are viewed a negative thing, even though, they’re the ones that assisted American quality standards across industries. If these companies are fair why use such tactics to dissuade workers from unionizing?

[alexangleton]

As a carpenter and union member UBC Local 420, we actively work with employers. We need them, they need us. The union provides a layer of protection to make sure we don't get taken advantage of.

[redstreet]

If you talk about a union at Amazon, you'll probably be fired immediately.

[rancosteel]

When Henry Ford was faced with a union walkout he doubled their wages and started a finance division so the workers could buy his cars. That was smart.

[littoww]

That was nice of the software employees to show their support. They recognise they are lucky enough to be in a role where the working conditions are much better than those on other roles.

[parabellum]

I am an Amazon employee and if they raised pay and tweaked breaks and their ridiculous production standards they wouldn't have to worry about unionizing.

[mancavestudios]

Those anti-union instructional videos were properly creepy.

[geektoro]

''Team member'' may as well be a cuss word for workers. Corporations just love to throw those 2 words around. 'Team member' really means dispensable.

[ladwigs]

When a Wal-mart store, has unionised in the past, HQ closed it

[brookrodriguez]

Worked there for one day. Theres no way i will work in a facility like that and be under paid. 16.50 an hour and to take your break you literally have to walk half of your break to get to your stuff bc you arent allowed to carry it with you. I myself have worked in many factories including Volkswagen and never have i seen a place ran like that.

[onebadta]

After what I have seen and read about Amazon they most definitely need to be unionized. Unfortunately the employees seem to not realize how much better they could have it if they forced a labor agreement.

[tyronedavis]

I personally believe that Amazon needs to be unionized because I was just written up recently for using the restroom over 5 minutes which is unlawful in California.

[Cheesypockets]

It feels like Amazon selected certain people to interview for this just to give Amazons positive sides.