Amazon Teamsters Celebrate Major Legal Victory Against Unfair Attendance Policy

In a landmark decision, Amazon Teamsters have secured a significant legal victory against the company's retaliatory attendance policies. On February 13, 2025, a judge ruled that Amazon had unlawfully enforced its Unpaid Time Off (UPT) attendance policy to penalize workers who participated in legally sanctioned strikes and walkouts. This ruling marks a critical moment for labor rights and workers advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

Background of the Case

The dispute centered on Amazon's UPT policy, which the company had been accused of applying disproportionately against employees who took part in collective actions. According to the ruling, Amazon routinely restored UPT for non-strike-related absences but failed to do so for workers protesting what they termed as exploitative working conditions. This selective enforcement was deemed a violation of federal labor laws, particularly the National Labor Relations Act.

The presiding National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge (ALJ) ordered Amazon to restore all UPT hours wrongfully deducted from workers who participated in strikes and to rescind any associated disciplinary actions taken against them. The judge remarked that Amazon's tactics of using its attendance policy as a weapon against active workers must cease and that employees possess the indisputable right to strike without fear of punishment.

Reactions from Teamster Leadership

Sean M. O'Brien, General President of the Teamsters, expressed his view on the ruling, stating, "Amazon weaponizes its attendance system to try and scare workers from taking collective action, but this company will fail every time. This ruling sends a clear message: Amazon workers have every right to walk off the job to demand better pay, safer conditions, and a union contract, and they will keep fighting."

The ruling encompasses multiple cases from Amazon sites across the United States, indicating a widespread problem with the company's labor practices. Amazon is mandated to inform its employees that UPT deductions related to strikes will no longer be tolerated and must be immediately restored.

Voice of the Workers

This decision has resonated deeply with the workers involved. Maggie Perez, a warehouse employee from KSBD, remarked, "This is a decisive victory for my co-workers in San Bernardino and all workers across the country who continue to use our legal right to strike despite Amazon's unlawful retaliation.” Perez added that their commitment to maintain legal compliance in their pursuit of better working conditions should be matched by Amazon's respect for their rights.

The ruling comes at a time when the Teamsters Union has seen an increase in membership among Amazon workers. In late 2024, Teamsters coordinated a historic national strike demanding contract negotiations and an end to retaliatory actions from the company. This confirmation of their rights to strike without repercussions is a notable blow to Amazon's attempted undermining of union activities.

The Bigger Picture

The ongoing struggle between Amazon and its workers illustrates a broader tension in labor relations in the modern age, where companies often implement policies that some argue intentionally deter collective bargaining efforts. As worker power continues to grow, it is evident these legal rulings will pose further challenges for Amazon’s labor strategies.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, unites over 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This most recent victory emphasizes the importance of solidarity and determination among laborers, ensuring that their voices are heard in an ever-complex environment of corporate governance and worker rights advocates. For more on the Teamsters and their ongoing efforts, visit their official website at Teamster.org.