In a landmark moment for labor rights in the American South, workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in North Carolina will vote next month on whether to form a union. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for Amazon’s U.S. workforce, potentially sparking similar unionization efforts at other Amazon facilities across the country.
The vote, scheduled for February, has drawn intense attention from labor activists, Amazon employees, and corporate leaders. If successful, this would mark the first unionization victory at an Amazon site in North Carolina, a state known for its low union participation rates and strong anti-union traditions.
The Drive for Unionization
The unionization campaign at Amazon’s North Carolina warehouse gained momentum in 2024, when a group of workers, with support from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), began organizing to address grievances over long hours, low wages, poor job security, and what they describe as hazardous working conditions.
Amazon, which is the second-largest private employer in the United States, has consistently opposed union efforts, arguing that its employees are well-compensated, have access to benefits, and are given ample opportunities for career growth without the need for union representation. The company has also spent significant resources on legal and consulting teams to block unionization efforts at its U.S. warehouses.
However, the demand for a collective bargaining agreement has gained considerable traction among workers in North Carolina. They’ve cited concerns such as high injury rates, unrealistic productivity targets, and worsening working conditions, especially during peak seasons like the holidays.
“We’re not asking for anything extraordinary—just basic fairness and respect at work,” said Alexis Harris, a former employee at the Charlotte warehouse. “We want the ability to negotiate for better pay, benefits, and working conditions with Amazon, instead of being treated like we don’t matter.”
The Role of the RWDSU
The RWDSU, which has successfully organized workers in industries like retail and food processing, has played a key role in helping Amazon workers across the country organize. The union argues that collective bargaining is essential for ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in the workplace at one of the world’s most profitable companies.
“Amazon is a massive corporation, and workers deserve a voice in how they’re treated,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU. “This vote is about giving workers the dignity they deserve and ensuring they’re not treated as expendable. No one should be afraid to ask for a better deal.”
Amazon’s Opposition
Amazon has maintained a firm stance against unionization, claiming that its employees are already well-compensated and have access to valuable benefits such as stock options and health insurance. The company also stresses that workers are encouraged to express concerns directly to management without the need for union involvement.
“We believe we offer a great place to work and do not think a union is necessary,” Amazon said in a statement following the announcement of the upcoming vote. “We offer competitive wages, a safe environment, and numerous opportunities for career growth. Our employees’ well-being is our priority, and we remain committed to supporting them in every way possible.”
In addition to its opposition to unions, Amazon has raised concerns about third-party interference, arguing that unions could potentially limit workers’ ability to engage directly with management. The company is also known for its aggressive anti-union tactics, which include mandatory meetings with employees and the distribution of literature questioning the advantages of union membership.
A National Movement
The union vote in North Carolina is part of a broader wave of unionization efforts at Amazon facilities nationwide. In 2022, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York, became the first in U.S. history to successfully unionize. That victory sparked other organizing campaigns across the country, though Amazon has largely managed to suppress further efforts.
Unionization attempts in Alabama and California in 2023 were unsuccessful, and other campaigns have seen mixed results. Nonetheless, the North Carolina vote is seen as a critical test for whether Amazon workers in the South—where unionization efforts have historically faced significant resistance—can overcome the company’s efforts to block collective bargaining.
“This vote is crucial not just for North Carolina, but for Amazon workers across the nation,” said Sarah Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. “This movement is growing, and it’s clear that workers want to be heard. It’s time for Amazon to listen.”
For Amazon employees in North Carolina, the February vote holds significant consequences. A victory for unionization would mark a major win for labor activists in a region traditionally hostile to unions. It could also inspire similar campaigns in other Southern states and across Amazon’s global network of fulfillment centers.
On the other hand, a loss would be a significant setback for the unionization movement, especially after months of organizing and outreach. Workers in favor of unionizing have expressed frustration with Amazon’s anti-union tactics, which they allege include intimidation, misinformation, and retaliation against pro-union employees.
Regardless of the outcome, the vote highlights the growing divide between Amazon’s vast corporate interests and its workforce, which has raised concerns about pay, safety, and working conditions. With record profits but increasing labor unrest, the company faces mounting pressure to address workers’ concerns and improve conditions across its nationwide operations.
The ballots for the union vote will be cast in early February, with results expected soon after. As the vote approaches, labor advocates and Amazon executives alike will be closely watching North Carolina, where the battle for unionization could signal a new chapter in the ongoing labor struggle at one of the world’s most powerful corporations.
