SHOCKING videos allegedly show the removal of documents regarding workers’ rights to call for better pay at an Amazon warehouse.
It comes as the e-commerce giant awaits a unionization vote in New York due to wrap up on Wednesday night.
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The union-busting practices in the two videos were allegedly filmed at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island last week.
The videos appear to show a supervisor removing union paperwork left out by employees. Amazon management’s role in the alleged incidents is unconfirmed.
In one video an Amazon worker challenges the supervisor taking away the union literature, telling her: “I just want you guys to know that it is illegal to take down union literature when it’s in a break room, we are legally allowed to post it.”
The supervisor who introduces herself as “Tammy” then puts the union paperwork down on a table and departs, without giving her last name.
The second video – covertly shot from a distance – allegedly shows the supervisor returning 20 minutes later to again remove the union literature, this time succeeding and departing.
The unseen person shooting the video sarcastically comments, “Good job Tammy.”
The videos were posted online by the Coalition to Defend Amazon Workers.
The organization posted a comment alongside the videos that reads: “Workers warning Company supervisor that confiscating union literature violates labor law.
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“Here is video of a typical day of illegal union-busting practiced @amazon in Staten Island.”
The videos were retweeted by fellow worker rights organization Amazon Workers Union, who commented: “Amazon can plaster the warehouse with VOTE NO banners, hold back to back captive meetings, and they won’t even respect our legal right to flyer in break areas. How is this fair?”
The Coalition to Defend Amazon Workers says it has since filed charges over the alleged removal of union literature, according to its Twitter feed.
“It’s shocking that ‘Tammy’ was told not to take the union materials and then went ahead and did it anyway. It’s unlawful,” Seth Goldstein, a pro bono attorney representing the Amazon Labor Union, exclusively told The US Sun.
Goldstein added: “In the video, the person was told to stop. What right did they have to do that? It’s outrageous!”
Goldstein said of the charges filed against Amazon: “My hope is that it’ll go to trial in June.”
Amazon workers at the Staten Island facility where the videos were shot are currently voting on whether to join the Amazon Labor Union.
The vote closes late Wednesday night with the result expected to be released by the end of Friday.
If workers vote to join the union, the result will have an impact beyond New York City, potentially affecting workers at all of Amazon’s warehouses.
ALU lawyer Seth Goldstein said of the vote: “We’re doing everything we can to get the vote out. We’re meeting our targets and are confident we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Insiders familiar with the matter said the vote is expected to be close.
“A really positive sign was on the Friday night shift. As soon as the [workers] saw me they threw their fists up!” said Brett Daniels, Worker Organizer for the Amazon Labor Union.
Daniels added: “Yesterday I went from being cautiously optimistic to confident. Lots of friends and co-workers are telling me they voted yes or they are planning to vote yes.”
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told The U.S. Sun: “We look forward to having our employees’ voices heard.”
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