Amazon Faces Third Union Election Amid Allegations of Racially Hostile Work Environment

A judge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has scheduled a hearing for January 29, 2024, to determine if there will be a third election at Amazon's Bessemer fulfillment center for union representation. The hearing will address various issues between the online retailer and the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union (RWDSU). The previous union election in 2022 was set aside by the NLRB due to Amazon's interference, and a second election resulted in a close vote with 311 challenged ballots yet to be ruled on. Both Amazon and the union have filed objections and unfair labor practice charges. The outcome of the hearing could potentially impact the results of the second election.