The Amazon Labor Union (ALU), representing the firm's warehouse employees in the United States, is now affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In a joint statement on Tuesday, June 18, announcing the decision, 98% of the ALU members voted to join the Teamsters.
Earlier this month, both groups first revealed their plans to affiliate. They said that a vote by ALU members was the final step.
ALU-IBT Local 1
According to the press release, approximately 5,500 Amazon warehouse employees at the JFK8 facility in Staten Island, New York, will be represented by the soon-to-be chartered ALU-International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 1. This newly created local chapter is expected to have authority over Amazon warehouse employees in all five boroughs of New York.
The Teamsters International Union, Teamsters Amazon Division, and Teamsters Joint Council 16 in New York will make their financial and organizational resources available to members of ALU-IBT Local 1.
Meanwhile, this summer, ALU is planning to elect new union officials.
Landmark Triumph
The ALU garnered nationwide attention two years ago following its landmark triumph at the JFK8 facility. Current and former JFK8 workers formed the group, which initially functioned as an independent labor movement at the grassroots level.
According to CNBC, the organization has had trouble reaching an agreement with Amazon, which wanted to nullify the results of the 2022 election. Nevertheless, this new affiliation might pressure Amazon to end its protracted negotiating stance with ALU.
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