BESSEMER, Ala. — Amazon’s Bessemer, Alabama, facility is set to hold a third union vote, as a federal judge ruled Wednesday that the company violated labor laws during earlier elections. The decision follows years of efforts by the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to unionize the warehouse, claiming Amazon suppressed previous attempts through intimidation and surveillance.
The campaign began in 2021, when Bessemer’s Amazon workers became one of the first major U.S. groups in recent years to organize for union representation. The initial election saw Amazon mount an aggressive counter-campaign, distributing anti-union messaging and hosting mandatory meetings warning employees about unionization’s potential impacts. The first vote overwhelmingly rejected the union, but RWDSU challenged the result, accusing Amazon of interference. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) agreed, prompting a re-vote in 2022, which also failed amid allegations of further interference.
Wednesday’s ruling reaffirms the union’s allegations, with the court criticizing Amazon’s actions as efforts to undermine worker organization. The RWDSU welcomed the decision as a victory for labor rights, while Amazon announced plans to appeal, stating it is committed to direct engagement with employees.
The third vote, ordered amid a growing national focus on worker rights, highlights the persistence of Bessemer’s employees and RWDSU organizers. The stakes remain high as the outcome could impact Amazon’s approach to labor relations across its facilities, potentially setting a precedent for unionization efforts at other major corporations nationwide.