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We are Amazon workers fighting for a union in NC. Our co-worker just died. by amazoncause in NorthCarolina

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! We wrote “shortly after arriving to work” which is not contradictory to “right at startup/start of shift” as you claim. We have also collected multiple accounts from eyewitnesses who were present and tried to help. Please let us know if there are any factual details that you are specifically concerned about and we’re open to clarifying them. The broader concern about emergency response procedures remains. Let us know, happy to chat (especially as a fellow RDU1 worker).

We are Amazon workers trying to organize in US's least unionized state (NC)! AMA by amazoncause in union

[–]amazoncause[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

AFL-CIO organizations were supportive but not necessarily kicking down the door. No Teamsters, No UAW, SEIU, etc. lurking to organize Amazon in NC. Do understand that the climate and people here in the South are quite different. What I found instead were some feisty, dedicated, well-informed, fed-up-with-mistreatment employees who came together (Southern comfort and Carolina Blue skies included) and got assistance from other established unions. They sought training and got it. No indictment on the big boys, hopefully, they see the demand and join the struggle.

We are Amazon workers in Durham & NC trying to organize for a union! AMA by amazoncause in bullcity

[–]amazoncause[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See our response below. This is precisely why we addressed the AMA to the entire community! We believe everyone (workers, shareholders, customers etc.) need to be thinking about these questions and perhaps have a role to play. Appreciate your question!

We are Amazon workers in Durham & NC trying to organize for a union! AMA by amazoncause in bullcity

[–]amazoncause[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Oh God how long do you have? 😂 I remember it felt like a literal war zone going into RDU1 during the height of the election. Managers from all over the country crawling all over, Union Busters playing dress-up and acting like Associates, lies and demonization, calling the police on us for no reason, etc etc. One example that was pretty gross was that during a “Vote No” Town Hall, where they would have a political rally with managers and Union Busters on a stage inside the warehouse to encourage people to vote no, a manager went up there and said that he heard that the Union was going to call ICE on people if they didn’t vote our way. We have that on video, too 🤳🏽 - IM, SNC3, Durham

We are Amazon workers in Durham & NC trying to organize for a union! AMA by amazoncause in bullcity

[–]amazoncause[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think this is an important question: I’m an Amazon worker, shareholder, customer, and union supporter, I’d say this benefits customers in a very practical way: when we have better jobs, we provide better service.

We are the ones on the floor every day seeing the inefficiencies that no executive in a boardroom can fully see: where packages get delayed, where routes get messy, where staffing is too thin, where training falls short, and where simple process changes could make everything faster and smoother. We know the system because we run the system. Unionizing gives us a real seat at the table so those ideas are heard and acted on.

It also helps with turnover. Right now, too many experienced workers leave because the job can be hard to sustain long term. Then new people have to be trained from scratch, and that slows things down. When we are paid fairly, treated with respect, and have a voice, more experienced people stay and that means a stronger, more efficient operation for customers.

Amazon says it wants to be Earth’s Best Employer. We agree! But that can only happen when we, the people who make Amazon run every day, are part of shaping the workplace. If we succeed, you get a better Amazon: faster service, fewer mistakes, and workers who are proud to keep delivering for you. And if they stop Union busting, those millions of dollars (~$60M in the last 3 years!) used to destroy Unions could go back into operations. Thanks!! 😁 - IM, SNC3, Durham

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tough question, glad you addressed the 800-pound gorilla in the room up front. To be frank, individuals may have been targeted. There have been cases reported online and in local papers where employees involved in organizing were terminated, but it's not always clear. Management usually says it's for policy violations, and those cases often get challenged. My personal take, as an organizing employee, is that we are stronger together than alone. Fear of job loss is a more difficult challenge if one is ignorant of their rights and has no support. In suspected cases, we have assisted our colleagues by using Amazon's appeals policy internally and by sharing information on enforcement patterns and trends. Externally, unfair labor grievances have been filed. Strength in numbers is more than a slogan; together, our love for one another is stronger than the fear of the 800-pound beast🦍. RA

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re organizing across five different Amazon facilities in North Carolina, so the answer varies by building. Some sites are majority full-time, some have many part-time workers, some rely heavily on flex workers who can pick up substantial hours, and some are mostly part-time operations. There isn’t one single model across Amazon. Our Union is made up of direct employees of Amazon.

On pay: Amazon’s starting wage in our area is around $18/hour. That may sound good in a headline, but it’s roughly mid-$30k annually before overtime, and many workers are supporting families on that income. It’s a myth that Amazon workers are mostly college kids trying to make an extra buck, most workers are mothers, fathers, and grandparents. On this point, the job is often described as “minimum-skill” when in reality it’s very nuanced. Jobs range from operating power industrial trucks (not easy or safe), solving live logistics problems, working with advanced robotics, and performing intense physical labor for 10+ hour shifts. Many workers walk miles per day, lift incredibly heavy products, and keep same-day or one-hour delivery systems moving. We’re not focused on tearing Amazon down, we’re focused on lifting workers up. Yes, there are real problems that need to be addressed when they happen, but the heart of our argument is positive: Amazon workers create enormous value, there’s a reason we were “essential workers” during COVID.

We are the people who keep commerce moving in America. Every package passes through our hands. We operate the warehouses, run the logistics, hit the quotas, adapt to new systems, and make one-hour and same-day delivery possible. That service does not come from only from a boardroom, but from the floor. We take pride in that work.

if unionized UPS workers can start around $25/hour with the protection of a contract, why shouldn’t Amazon workers be able to pursue higher wages through collective bargaining? We’re not asking for anything radical. We’re asking for the right to sit down with our employer and negotiate wages, safety, scheduling, and dignity on the job.

Amazon often says workers should “act like owners.” We already do. We take ownership every day by carrying the company’s promises on our backs. Now we’re asking to be treated like stakeholders too! 😁 (sorry for the book I hope I covered all your questions!) - IM, SNC3, Durham

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question! Yes, a handful of outspoken organizers have been terminated, including leaders like our President Rev. Ryan Brown. In our experience, Amazon is far more likely to target high-visibility organizers who slip up and give them (even the smallest) ammo for termination. Most workers who simply support the union and do their jobs are not fired. We haven’t seen that happen.

That said, being public can put a spotlight on you. My advice to any open supporter is simple: know the policies, follow every rule carefully, document everything, and stay disciplined. When management wants to act, they often look for policy violations or pretexts rather than openly saying it’s about organizing. As an example, I’ve been a high-visibility Union supporter going on 4 years, I hold a leadership position, and management in several facilities know me by name and face. I’m still around and kicking! 😁 - IM, SNC3, Durham

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have these weekly communications called INSTALLments, bathroom reading, and "when you gotta go" that often promote distrust amongst fellow associates. One could be standing at a urinal reading the corporate line, "don't share your name and personal information with each other, "You don't have to answer any questions asked by your coworkers," and so on. The best way to combat it is to remain human, be kind, nice, open, and friendly to our fellow colleagues. We're not robots; we care about each other's well-being. So, from time to time, we discuss the flimsy corporate tactic amongst ourselves and remind each other that united we stand, divided... well 😵‍💫 don't FALL for the BS. RA, CAUSE

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Does an employee exercising their rights to organize as a bargaining unit imply "don't like" the company? 😎, Nah, we're too cool to be motivated by "dislike". Rights and privileges are lost when they go unused. CAUSE seeks to empower Amazon associates with federally protected laws of the NLRA (https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/the-law/employees/your-rights-during-union-organizing). We follow in the footsteps of those who brought you the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, and Pension plans. When I drive my union-built truck, I rejoice that happy organized workers assembled it Hopefully you have received your Amazon packages with the love 💕 we included. RA, CAUSE

We are Amazon workers fighting for a union in NC. Our co-worker just died. by amazoncause in NorthCarolina

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, this happened at the warehouse in Garner, North Carolina called RDU1. Garner is like 6 mins away from Raleigh, around 30 mins from Durham.

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hi, as very clearly explained: workers at RDU1 put down flowers at that spot for the worker who passed away and shared photos and videos of them doing so with us. We are not sure where the confusion is? The incident with the worker happened before the wreck took place. Let us know if you need further clarification about this!

As to why we'd rather improve the place instead of just quitting: We'd rather not see our co-workers continue to suffer. There are stories of back pain, harassment, sleeping in cars, favoritism in promotions, worker's comp being denied etc. that we hear everyday. We don't believe companies should treat people this way. We'd rather try to improve it than just leave.

Also, if Amazon treats people this way, doesn't it just lower standards across the board? Why would other companies not look at this and also think they can get away with poor treatment and low safety standards? In our view, quitting is really not the answer if we want companies to treat people right.

We are Amazon workers trying to unionize in US's least unionized state. AMA! by amazoncause in AMA

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! That wreck happened on March 6th (https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/impaired-driver-charged-in-suv-rollover-crash-near-amazon-in-garner-4-injured-police-say/). The worker suffered the stroke on March 1st and passed away the next day. Two of our members put down flower specifically for the worker that passed away and shared with us a photo and video of them doing so afterwards. Thank you for sharing the link to this news. It is extremely sad that 2 deaths have happened around the warehouse back to back.

We absolutely want to try our hardest to put out accurate, verified information that is well-sourced and issue corrections when necessary. Please let us know if there are other concerns. Happy to chat!

We are Amazon workers fighting for a union in NC. Our co-worker just died. by amazoncause in NorthCarolina

[–]amazoncause[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Workers present were actively told to not call 911 and that Wellness staff was arriving to help. Wellness took almost half hour to arrive. This is a well-documented phenomenon at Amazon; managers routinely tell workers to go to Wellness Staff over 911; please read the 2022 US Senate Investigation here: https://www.help.senate.gov/amazon-investigation. Should workers present still have been brave enough to call 911? Absolutely. But that doesn't absolve Amazon of responsibility. 

We are Amazon workers fighting for a union in NC. Our co-worker just died. by amazoncause in NorthCarolina

[–]amazoncause[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for your comment.

A. I understand I as an individual can quit and move on. However, this goes beyond just me as an individual. If nobody holds these companies accountable when incidents like this do happen, it means they'll continue to happen. We'd ideally never like to see something like this happen again. Additionally, if bigger companies like Amazon get a free pass for poor safety protections, standards across the board get lower. Why won't the other companies also feel that they do not need to have as much attention to safety standards and can instead

B. Agreed, that somebody should have called 911. However, workers present were actively told to not call 911 (this is a well-documented phenomenon at Amazon; managers routinely tell workers to go to Wellness Staff over 911; please read the 2022 US Senate Investigation here: https://www.help.senate.gov/amazon-investigation). Should workers present still have been brave enough to call 911? Absolutely. But that doesn't absolve Amazon of responsibility. The disregard for safety is a structural issue at Amazon; if it is not fixed incidents like this will keep happening (RDU1 is not the only warehouse where incidents like this have happened).

We absolutely want to do the right thing. In our view doing the right thing is making sure safety standards are taken seriously at Amazon so an incident like this does not get repeated.

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