Amazon Fires Alabama Worker Who Led Union Organizing

An Amazon worker who helped lead a milestone organizing effort to form what would have been the company’s first US union at a warehouse in Alabama said she has been fired by the e-commerce giant owned by the anti-union billionaire Jeff Bezos, Catherine Thorbecke reported for CNN.

Photo Insert: The firing of Bates will surely ignite unionizing efforts at Amazon and any other company that Bezos owns.

Jennifer Bates became the face of the effort to unionize an Amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama, back in 2021 when she testified before lawmakers about her “grueling” experience working at the company.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which spearheaded the so-far unsuccessful effort to unionize the Bessemer facility, said on Friday she was fired by Amazon after returning from medical leave following injuries sustained on the job.

“I’ve given my back to Amazon these past three years. I’ve given my arms and shoulders to Amazon these past three years. And I’ve given every fiber of my soul into organizing Amazon these past three years,” Bates said in a statement Friday. “For them to treat me like this is unfathomable.”

She added: “But let me be clear, Amazon, your termination of my employment will not stifle workers organizing, for when you fire leaders, it only brings more people ignited into the movement.”

An Amazon spokesperson told CNN that Bates “has the opportunity to appeal the decision.” She claimed Bates had unexplained absences. The firing of Bates will surely ignite unionizing efforts at Amazon and any other company that Bezos owns.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic