After months of negotiations and discussions, Amazon’s warehouse workers in Laval, Quebec have successfully unionized. This decision marks a significant milestone for the e-commerce giant, as it is the first time that Amazon workers in Canada have formed a union.
The union, known as the Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses d’Amazon de Laval (STTAL), represents over 550 employees at the Laval fulfillment center. The workers voted in favor of unionization with a majority of 74%, according to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).
The unionization effort began in the fall of 2020, with workers citing concerns over working conditions, productivity targets, and job security. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, as workers expressed concerns over safety measures and paid sick leave.
In a statement, the RWDSU said, “Amazon workers in Laval have shown tremendous courage and determination in standing up for their rights and making their voices heard. This is a historic moment for workers in Canada and a clear message to Amazon that their employees will not be silenced.”
Amazon has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of workers, with accusations of long hours, low pay, and anti-union tactics. The company has consistently denied these claims and has stated that it provides competitive wages and benefits to its employees.
In response to the unionization, Amazon released a statement saying, “We respect our employees’ right to choose whether or not they want to join a union. We do not believe unions are the best answer for our employees, and we will continue to work directly with them to address any concerns they may have.”
The STTAL is now in a position to negotiate with Amazon for better working conditions and benefits for its members. This unionization could also have a ripple effect on other Amazon warehouses in Canada, as workers in other locations may be inspired to follow suit.
This development also highlights the growing trend of unionization in the tech industry, with workers at companies like Google and Uber also forming unions in recent years.
The unionization of Amazon’s Laval warehouse workers is a significant step towards improving working conditions and giving employees a voice in the company. It remains to be seen how this will impact Amazon’s operations in Canada and if it will lead to further unionization efforts in the future.
