Chris Smalls, Founding President of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how running an independent campaign proved critical to the ALU’s success in forming the first Amazon labor union in the U.S.
Smalls was one of the three high profile guests for AWF’s Special Labor Day Episode.
He maintained the ALU’s independent approach was best for its members because it celebrated their identity. Many people, especially the young, gravitated to the Union’s style and the way it organized, he said. The ALU is the face of today’s young generation and its independent identity inspires many young workers, he added.
Smalls shared his experience of testifying before Congress and being invited to the White House, but stressed he prefers grassroots organizing as a means of strengthening the labor movement and empowering workers.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.