Amazon is facing a challenge to the certification of a union for workers at its Laval, Quebec warehouse. The online retail giant has filed an appeal with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an attempt to overturn the unionization vote that took place in April.
The vote, which was conducted by mail-in ballot due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a narrow victory for the union, with 55% of workers voting in favor of unionizing. The union, known as the Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses de l’entrepôt d’Amazon à Laval (STT), represents approximately 800 workers at the Laval warehouse.
In its appeal to the CIRB, Amazon argues that the vote was not conducted fairly and that the STT engaged in “misleading and coercive tactics” to sway the vote in their favor. The company also claims that the STT did not have enough support from workers to warrant unionization.
The STT, on the other hand, maintains that the vote was conducted fairly and that Amazon is simply trying to delay the unionization process. The union has accused Amazon of using intimidation tactics and anti-union propaganda to discourage workers from voting in favor of unionization.
This is not the first time Amazon has faced challenges to unionization efforts. In the United States, the company has been accused of union-busting tactics and has faced multiple lawsuits over its treatment of workers. The company has also been criticized for its working conditions and low wages.
The CIRB will now review the appeal and make a decision on whether to uphold the unionization vote or order a new vote to take place. In the meantime, the STT will continue to represent workers at the Laval warehouse and push for better working conditions and fair treatment for all employees.
This latest development highlights the ongoing battle between Amazon and its workers, as the company continues to resist unionization efforts. It also raises questions about the power dynamics between large corporations and their employees, and the need for fair and transparent processes when it comes to unionization.
