Amazon's Union Struggles: Teamsters Charge After Verbal Assaults Against LGBTQ Workers

Amazon's Union Struggles: A Deepening Conflict

In a troubling incident that has sparked outrage, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has filed charges against Amazon after a verbal attack on one of its members in Queens, New York. The incident unfolded on November 26, when a union buster hired by Amazon targeted Emmanuel T., an Amazon driver, hurling homophobic slurs at him as he arrived for his shift at the DBK4 facility.

Witnessed by several colleagues and members of Amazon management, this verbal assault not only included offensive language but also involved threats directed towards the driver. This blatant act of aggression prompted the Teamsters to take action against the company, filing unfair labor practice (ULP) charges and formal complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Emmanuel T. expressed his concerns about the hostile work environment, stating, "Amazon hired this union buster to come harass me at work and call me a homophobic slur. Amazon is creating an unsafe workplace for me and my co-workers, especially my fellow Teamsters who identify as LGBTQ. We don't need harassment and homophobia. What we need is for Amazon to follow the law and negotiate a Teamsters Union contract that provides the pay and safety we deserve."

This altercation is part of a larger narrative within Amazon, where workers have been vocal about their rights and safety. The backdrop of this tension is the burgeoning union presence at Amazon, as employees at the DBK4 facility overwhelmingly voted to organize with the Teamsters on September 16. Since that time, Amazon has declined to recognize the union, an act that has led to numerous ULP charges against the tech giant for worker retaliation and other labor law violations. Legally, Amazon is required to engage in negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters drivers, a responsibility they have so far neglected.

The situation escalated quickly following Emmanuel's suspension from work, pending an investigation into the incident. In a show of solidarity, Amazon drivers staged a march at the DBK4 facility, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Emmanuel and the removal of all union busters from the premises. An Amazon Teamster and fellow driver, Latrice Shadae Johnson, attended the march, stating, "It hurts to know that Amazon is paying this union buster way more than they pay us. We are not backing down in our fight for Amazon to recognize us as Teamsters."

The financial implications of Amazon's strategy to employ union busters are significant; between 2022 and 2023, the company reportedly spent over $17.2 million on anti-union efforts aimed at discouraging workers from joining the Teamsters. A single union buster was paid a staggering $75,000 during a previous campaign against unionization, according to reports from LaborLab, an organization that monitors union-busting practices.

Across the country, more Amazon workers are taking a stand against mistreatment. In recent months, employees from multiple facilities, including a location in Atlanta, have banded together to push for union recognition, and protests have erupted at Amazon's larger air hubs in Kentucky and California amid allegations of unfair labor practices. The momentum in the unionization movement is palpable; in June, Teamsters were supported by a near-unanimous 98.3 percent vote in favor of union affiliation from Amazon Labor Union members at JFK8 in Staten Island.

Though challenges continue, the drive for union representation among Amazon workers grows sturdier. The Teamsters, representing approximately 1.3 million individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, remain committed to advocating for labor rights and fair working conditions. With each passing day, more drivers join the movement, representing a growing demand for recognition and respect within one of the world's largest and most lucrative corporations.

For those interested in learning more about the Teamsters' ongoing efforts or supporting their cause, further information can be found at Teamster.org. You can also follow the movement on Twitter @Teamsters and engage with them on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/teamsters.