Amazon workers at the company’s warehouse in New York City voted to form the first U.S. union.
2,654 workers cast their ballots in support of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), compared with 2,131 workers who opposed the union.
According to a count released on Friday by the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB), employees who want a union have secured a 55% majority.
Amazon expressed disappointment with the result.
“We’re disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island because we believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees,” Amazon said in a statement.
The company said it would evaluate available options, including filing objections based on what it called inappropriate and undue influence by the NLRB.
The move to form a union at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Staten Island, known as JFK8, was endorsed by Christian Smalls.
There is still a long way to go for workers who hope to benefit from better benefits through a legalised union.
First, there need be no objection to the union being certified by the NLRB. Once it has cleared that hurdle, union negotiators will still have to negotiate with Amazon about better benefits, pay, and working conditions for workers.
For more information, read the original story in Reuters.