Amazon organizing: Lessons and future strategies

Jonathan Rosenblum, Activist in Residence at the Center for Work and Democracy at Arizona State University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about recent unionization efforts at Amazon's RDU1 warehouse in North Carolina, the broader implications of Amazon's labor practices and the potential for leveraging labor's assets to support organizing efforts.

Rosenblum said the unionization drive at Amazon's RDU1 warehouse faced significant challenges, culminating in a decisive defeat. Despite the efforts of Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), Amazon's aggressive anti-union tactics, including mandatory meetings and targeted intimidation, proved overwhelming. He spoke about the need for a robust organizing committee and structured tests to gauge support before moving forward with an election. The campaign's outcome underscores the necessity of strategic planning and broad-base support to counteract Amazon's formidable union-busting strategies.

Rosenblum acknowledged Amazon is a leading employer that influences labor practices across industries. He noted that Amazon's approach to worker management, characterized by high surveillance and stringent productivity demands, sets a precedent that other companies may follow. Organizing Amazon workers is not just about improving conditions within the company but also about setting a standard that could positively impact labor practices nationwide. Rosenblum argued that a successful campaign at Amazon could have a ripple effect, raising standards for workers in various sectors.

To effectively challenge Amazon's labor practices, Rosenblum advocated for a more significant investment of resources from the broader labor movement. He pointed out that while some unions, like the Teamsters, have begun to support Amazon organizing efforts, the scale of the challenge requires a more substantial commitment. With the labor movement's assets growing significantly over the past 15 years, Rosenblum called for these resources to be mobilized in a concerted effort to organize Amazon on a regional or national scale. This approach could harness the collective power of workers across industries to bring about meaningful change.

Listen to the full episode to explore Jonathan Rosenblum's thoughts on organizing Amazon workers and the future of labor movements.