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Sens Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren sent out a letter to Amazon on Tuesday asking for that the business share information about “anti-union materials and activities” it apparently dispersed to supervisors at its Whole Foods subsidiary.
The letter indicate a Gizmodo report from late last month that states Amazon produced and sent out a 45- minute anti-union training video to group leaders at WholeFoods The video apparently specifies: “We do not believe unions are in the best interest of our customers, our shareholders, or most importantly, our associates. Our business model is built upon speed, innovation, and customer obsession–things that are generally not associated with union.”
Sanders, an independent from Vermont, and Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, now desire Amazon to share the video, a list of Whole Food places where it was apparently seen and information on any external law office or seeking advice from business that might have aided with its advancement.
The senators likewise desire Amazon to offer copies of any extra products connected to arranging activities that might have been offered to Whole Foods group leaders, in addition to info on whether Amazon employees were fired or dealt with retaliation for speaking out versus working conditions. Sanders and Warren demand responses byNov 1.
When inquired about the letter and the reported anti-union video, an Amazon representative offered the following declaration:
“We have received the letter from Sen. Sanders and Sen. Warren, and will be responding to them directly. Amazon respects the individual rights of employees and has an open-door policy that encourages employees to bring their comments, questions, and concerns directly to their management team. We firmly believe this direct connection is the most effective way to understand and respond to the needs of our workforce.”
In a subsequent e-mail, Amazon stated it adheres to all federal, state, and regional work laws which it appreciates the right of workers “to join a union or to choose otherwise.”
Sanders and Warren are worried that the supposed video’s directions to supervisors might cause infractions of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), such as spying on workers’ union activities or producing the impression that such activities are being kept an eye on. The video likewise apparently informs Whole Food managers that they “might need to talk about how having a union could hurt innovation, which could hurt customer obsession, which could ultimately threaten the building’s continued existence.” Sanders and Warren stated this might fairly be translated as a “threat that an employee’s workplace may close if he or she supports a union or engages in union activity,” which they stated is unlawful under the NLRA.
The video was apparently dripped right before Amazon stated it would raise its base pay to $15 an hour in the United States after installing pressure from critics, consisting of Sanders The senators composed that they value Amazon’s attention to raising salaries, “But it is important to recognize that workers’ rights do not stop at the minimum wage, and raising the pay of your lowest-paid workers, while important, does not give you a free pass to engage in potentially illegal anti-union behavior.”
Sanders and Warren likewise keep in mind that without a union, Amazon can cancel the wage boost or cut settlement. The e-commerce giant was met criticism when it removed regular monthly perks and stock benefits following its promise to improve salaries. In reaction, Amazon increased spend for some long time storage facility employees
Here’s the complete letter from Sanders and Warren:
20181016 Letter to Amazon … by on Scribd
First releasedOct 17, 1: 28 p.m. PT
Correction, 3: 18 p.m.: Sanders is an independent.
