According to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Amazon has reinstated a union organizer who was previously fired. This action came after the organizer, Jennifer Bates, lodged a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. Bates, who had testified before a Senate committee about income inequality, was terminated while recovering from work-related injuries at an Amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama. The union claimed that Amazon had refused to make necessary workplace adjustments for Bates, who had been vocal about workplace safety concerns within the company.
In a prepared statement released by the union, Bates expressed her belief that this development sends a message to Amazon workers everywhere, encouraging them to stand up and fight back when faced with attacks. She stated, “When we fight, clearly, we win!”
Stuart Appelbaum, the president of the union, accused Amazon of trying to suppress one of the most outspoken leaders in the current labor movement.
″Jennifer’s determination to not be silenced despite the company’s significant power and resources is commendable,” stated Stuart Appelbaum, the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “And we share her commitment to speaking up.”
According to an Amazon spokesperson, during the appeals review, it was found that Bates had not been sufficiently responsive to multiple requests for information regarding her leave. However, the spokesperson acknowledged that the company could have improved its communication to ensure Bates had a clear understanding of what was expected of her, which is why she is being reinstated. The spokesperson also mentioned that the company had encouraged Bates to file an appeal.
“After conducting a thorough review of her case, the decision was made to reinstate her,” said Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis. “We are pleased to see that our appeal process is functioning as intended.”
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union has long been at odds with Amazon, as the company tries to prevent organized labor from gaining a foothold in its extensive network of warehouses. Both Amazon and the union are still in the process of contesting the results of a union election held in Bessemer, Alabama last year. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, with 416 challenged ballots awaiting resolution.
