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What I’ve Been Reading This Week


Perhaps this could of been an Amazon dedicated post if not for the first article I highlighted   With that being said, all three articles are worth a read and provide a few different topics were noting.  Whether readers are interested in union elections or workplace coronavirus policies, I would suggest giving all three articles a read.

As always, below are a couple articles that caught my eye this week.


Seattle City Council Passes Resolution Supporting Unionization Efforts at Starbucks

In a resolution that is really nothing more than a symbolic gesture, the Seattle City Council approved a resolution in which it expressed its support for unionization efforts at three Seattle area Starbucks locations.  The resolution passed last Tuesday 6 - 0 although several Councilmembers did not vote.  There was some disagreement among Councilmembers about what role, if any, the City Council should play in matters such as this which impact private businesses and that was not directly city business.  Given that this resolution has no “teeth” and is merely symbolic, I tend to agree with some that have suggested the City Council would have been better served spending time instead addressing crime, homelessness, and the city’s budget, instead of passing this resolution.


Two U.S. Senators Seek Answers on Second Election at Amazon Warehouse

Readers might recall that workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama had previously voted against unionization during a mail in election.  However, after complaints were raised about the first election (namely the argument that Amazon’s decision to set up a mailbox at the workplace to allow workers to drop off their mail in ballots tainted the election), a second election was ordered by the National Labor Relations Board.  In doing so, the second mail in election is currently underway with ballots due no later than March 28th.  However, two U.S. Senators, Tommy Tuberville (from Alabama) and Richard Burr (from North Carolina) have sent a list of questions to the NLRB Regional Director that ordered the second election, seeking to get clarification on the grounds for why the second election was ordered.  With responses to the questions requested back by February 22nd, it will be interesting to see what responses, if any, are provided.


Amazon Amends Coronavirus Related Workplace Policies

In an about face, Amazon announced that effective March 8th, it will no longer provide paid leave for workers that get the coronavirus and need to take time off work, but have not received the coronavirus vaccine.  (Workers that get the coronavirus but have received the vaccine will still qualify for paid leave, however.)  Amazon also announced that starting last Friday, vaccinated workers will no longer be required to wear face masks inside warehouses, so long as local regulations allow.)  I would expect other large scale employers to follow Amazon’s lead and amend their coronavirus related policies in the coming weeks and months.

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