NEW YORK — Amazon workers at a warehouse on New York City’s Staten Island overwhelmingly rejected a union bid on Monday, dealing a blow to organizers who last month pulled off the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the e-commerce giant’s history.
This time around, warehouse workers cast 618 votes — or about 62% — against the union, giving Amazon enough support to fend off a second labor win and raise questions as to whether the first victory was just a fluke.
According to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees the process, 380 workers — or 38% — voted in favor of the grassroots union. Turnout was 61%, with about 1,600 workers eligible to vote, according to a voter list provided by Amazon.
The few ballots that were challenged by either the company or the nascent Amazon Labor Union were not enough to sway the outcome.
The ALU is weighing whether to object, said Seth Goldstein, a union attorney. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was glad workers at the warehouse “were able to have their voices heard.”
“We look forward to continuing to work directly together as we strive to make every day better for our employees,” Nantel said.
A separate election held last month gave the ALU a surprise victory when workers at a different Staten Island facility voted in favor of unionizing.