Reformists in the Amazon Labor Union’s leadership election at the JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island won key positions, with Connor Spence elected as president. The reformists, part of the ALU Democratic Reform Caucus, secured top leadership spots amid disagreements over organizing strategies with former union president Christian Smalls. Despite low voter turnout and challenges, the reformists aim to negotiate for better working conditions and a contract with Amazon. The union’s affiliation with Teamsters signals a new chapter after internal conflicts and financial issues. Amazon’s union-busting efforts and legal disputes, along with a recent Senate investigation citing workplace injuries during Prime Day, add to the complex labor landscape.
Amazon workers at the JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island recently made history by electing reformists in the Amazon Labor Union’s first-ever leadership election. This victory comes after a long legal battle to force a vote within the union. The reformists, led by Connor Spence, were successful in securing the top leadership positions within the union, now known as ALU – International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1 after affiliating with the Teamsters earlier this year. The reform caucus, which includes members like Brima Sylla, Kathleen Cole, and Sultana Hossain, won all key leadership positions in the election.
The decision to elect reformists over the incumbent union president, Christian Smalls, was driven by disagreements over organizing strategies. The reformists believed that Smalls focused too much on unionizing other facilities instead of securing a first contract at JFK8. Despite forming the ALU more than two years ago, workers have yet to sit down with Amazon management to negotiate better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
The low turnout in the election has been attributed to the mail-in ballot format, which was mandated by a neutral monitor appointed by the court. The reform caucus and rank-and-file members preferred in-person voting, as done in previous union-related decisions. Despite the low turnout, the reformists are determined to push forward with their goal of holding Amazon accountable and securing a fair contract for workers.
The reformists ran on a platform of improving union democracy and promised to implement changes such as creating a steward system, enabling members to vote on budgets, and increasing the number of rank-and-file elected officials. The affiliation with the Teamsters signals a new beginning for the ALU, which has faced internal conflicts and financial challenges in recent months.
Amazon, known for its aggressive anti-union tactics, has lost multiple appeals attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 union election at JFK8. The company, along with others like SpaceX and Trader Joe’s, has challenged the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board. A recent Senate investigation led by Sen. Bernie Sanders revealed concerns about workplace injuries during Amazon’s Prime Day sales event, with the company disputing the findings.
Overall, the election of reformists within the ALU represents a significant shift in the union’s direction and a renewed focus on advocating for the rights and well-being of Amazon workers. The road ahead may be challenging, but the new leadership is committed to standing up to Amazon and fighting for a fair and just workplace for all employees.
Source: TheCity.NYC
