Amazon Union Vote Counting Begins... Results Expected to Take Several Days to Confirm

[Image source= AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The vote counting for the Amazon unionization referendum began on the 30th (local time).

According to major foreign media on the day, the voting by employees at the Amazon logistics warehouse in Alabama has ended, and the counting has started in Bessemer. The New York Times reported that the counting is being conducted under thorough scrutiny by both Amazon labor and management sides, and the results may not be released until early next week at the earliest.

As this is the first attempt to establish a union at the company with the largest market capitalization, it has attracted significant attention within the United States. It is also being regarded as a historic moment in the history of the American labor movement.

Professor Alex Colvin of Cornell University said, "Amazon holds a significant position in the economy and can be seen as representing the entire information technology (IT) industry," adding, "If a union is established at Amazon, it could lead to substantial real change." He predicted that if a union is formed in Alabama, unionization efforts at Amazon in other states, as well as at other companies, could spread.

If Amazon employees vote in favor of unionization, the Amazon union will be affiliated with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) in the United States.

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum issued a statement, emphasizing that the very attempt to establish a union at Amazon is already a significant victory. Appelbaum said, "Although we do not know what the outcome will be, I believe this will serve as a catalyst for more unionization efforts across the United States."

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who has been advocating for expanding workers' rights such as raising the minimum wage, visited Alabama last week to encourage Amazon workers.

Before visiting Alabama, Senator Sanders wrote on Twitter, "Workers are forming unions to negotiate for better pay and improved working conditions, so I sincerely want to know why wealthy people like Jeff Bezos are pouring millions of dollars into blocking union formation."

In response to Sanders' Twitter post, Amazon executive Dave Clark pointed out that Amazon's hourly minimum wage is $15, while the minimum wage in Vermont, Sanders' district, is $11.75 per hour, and criticized him to stop preaching with finger-wagging.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for Amazon's unionization movement, urging workers to "raise their voices."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.