Amazon-Owned Whole Foods Files Objection to Union Election Results
Whole Foods Market, a subsidiary of Amazon (AMZN), has filed an objection to the results of a union election held at a store in Philadelphia. The company alleges that the union involved in the election engaged in unfair labor practices by promising employees a 30% wage increase and providing free transportation to the vote.
Whole Foods also accuses the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) of intimidating employees who supported the company. The union has disputed these allegations.
The election results show that 130 employees voted in favor of unionization, representing approximately 57% of the ballots cast. The results are pending certification by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). However, Whole Foods argues that the election cannot be lawfully certified due to the NLRB's current lack of a third board member.
In a statement, UFCW Local 1776, the local union involved in the election, dismissed the company's allegations as baseless. The union characterized the objections as a legal maneuver to delay the bargaining process.
Whole Foods further alleges that the NLRB tainted the election by prohibiting the company from holding captive audience meetings. The NLRB ruled in November that these meetings, where employees are required to attend, are unlawful because they force employees to listen to anti-union messages.
The election in Philadelphia marks the first successful unionization of an Amazon grocery business, including Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Go convenience stores. Amazon has previously faced organizing efforts by delivery drivers and warehouse workers.