Amazon Workers in North Carolina Vote against Unionisation

February 16, 2025

By Evans Momodu
2 minute digest
Published 12:57, UK(GMT), 16 February, 2025

Workers at Amazon’s Garner, North Carolina warehouse, have overwhelmingly rejected a bid to form a union, delivering another setback to labour organisers attempting to challenge the retail giant.

Key Vote Results:

Votes Against Union: 2,447
Votes in Favour: 829
Total Valid Votes: 3,276
Union Support: 25.3% (Below the 30% threshold required for an NLRB election)

The Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), the grassroots union behind the effort, alleged Amazon interfered with the vote and vowed to continue organising.

Amazon welcomed the outcome, with spokesperson Eileen Hards stating that employees “chose to keep a direct relationship with Amazon” and that the company will continue to provide a “great place to work.”

Challenges for Union Organisers:

Wages Dispute: Workers were seeking $30/hour, but Amazon offers between $18.50 and $23.80/hour.
Right-to-Work State: North Carolina has the lowest union membership rate (2.4%) in the U.S.
Employer Resistance: The state has a powerful Chamber of Commerce and pro-business industry groups opposed to unionisation.

While Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York, formed a union in 2022, the company has defeated other unionisation efforts in Alabama, Albany, and a second Staten Island warehouse.

Despite this loss, CAUSE leaders say they will continue to push for better wages and working conditions, inspired by growing worker activism since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: CNN