Amazon must negotiate with Staten Island warehouse workers, NLRB says

By Greg Bensinger

SAN FRANCISCO, April 2 (Reuters) - Amazon AMZN.O must negotiate with a labor union representing some 5,000 workers at a company warehouse on Staten Island, the National Labor Relations Board ruled on Wednesday.

The ruling means Amazon is required to meet with representatives of the Amazon Labor Union, which formed in 2022 and has been seeking to negotiate with Amazon over pay, working conditions and other matters.

The union was initially formed independently but has since aligned with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The NLRB said in its ruling that Amazon "has engaged in unfair labor practices" by refusing to bargain with the labor group or to recognize its legitimacy.

Amazon has disagreed with the NLRB's ruling.

"Representatives of the NLRB improperly influenced this election," the company said in a statement, suggesting they planned to appeal.

"We're confident an unbiased court will overturn the original certification, and we look forward to the opportunity for our team to fairly voice their opinions."

The Teamsters in a statement called the ruling a "historic victory for Amazon Teamsters nationwide and a testament to worker power."