A stunning upset in a union election on Staten Island had brought sudden exposure to the organizers and worker advocates who realized victory for the nascent Amazon Labor Union, which is now preparing to negotiate for a labor contract. But experts say Amazon will likely drag its feet.
"They were not perceived as outsiders, so that's important," said Ruth Milkman, a sociologist of labor and labor movements at the City University of New York.
Outmatched financially, Smalls and others relied on their ability to reach workers more personally by making TikTok videos, giving out free marijuana and holding barbecues and cookouts. A few weeks before the election, Smalls' aunt cooked up soul food for a union potluck, including macaroni and cheese, collard greens, ham and baked chicken.
In another example, Smalls and two organizers were arrested in February after authorities got a complaint about him trespassing at the Staten Island warehouse. The ALU used the arrests to its advantage days before the union election, teaming up with an art collective to project "THEY ARRESTED YOUR CO-WORKERS" in white letters on top of the warehouse. "THEY FIRED SOMEONE YOU KNOW," another projection said.
There was also a grassroots element to the union drive in Bessemer, which began when a group of Amazon workers there approached the RWDSU about organizing. For now, ALU is focusing on its win. Organizers say Amazon workers from more than 20 states have reached out to them to ask about organizing their warehouses. But they have their hands full with their own warehouse, and a neighboring facility slated to have a separate union election later this month.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
‘Meals by Cugine’: The Staten Island food influencer blowing up TikTok“Meals by Cug,” the Staten Island food influencer whose real name is Danny Mondello, talks to The Post about the best NYC pizza, cannolis and more.
Weiterlesen »
Analysis | Amazon union win could usher in a new wave of scrutiny of its labor practicesAnalysis: If more unions form at Amazon facilities, it would provide its workers with an unprecedented perch to speak out about allegations of mistreatment or unsafe working conditions.
Weiterlesen »
The Amazon Union Is Part of a Legacy of Black Labor OrganizingChris Smalls was fired by Amazon. Then he helped form its first union. OpEd
Weiterlesen »
Amazon Workers Win Battle To Form First U.S. UnionAmazon workers at a Staten Island, NY processing facility have won a historic vote to form the first-ever collective bargaining unit at the e-commerce giant, despite months of an aggressive anti-union campaign run by the company. What do you think?
Weiterlesen »
Amazon union workers won in New York — can they win across the country?The fight is far from over.
Weiterlesen »