The Blubber

Thousands of Amazon employees at the company’s first unionized warehouse voted Friday to authorize a strike, alleging the tech giant has refused to recognize their union or negotiate a contract at the Staten Island, New York, facility.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents approximately 5,500 workers at the warehouse, warned Amazon to begin negotiations by Sunday or face a potential strike.

"Amazon is driving its workers closer to the picket line by refusing to respect the union and the rights they’ve fought to secure," said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien in a statement to ABC News. "If these corporate criminals insist on breaking the law, they should brace for a fight."

Union Pressure and Strike Vote:

A strike authorization vote gives union leaders the power to call a work stoppage if necessary, but it does not guarantee a strike. The vote marks a critical escalation in the labor dispute at the Staten Island warehouse, known as JFK8.

The facility made headlines in 2022 when it became Amazon's first unionized warehouse, a victory that inspired a surge in labor organizing nationwide during the pandemic. However, Amazon quickly filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to contest the election results, alleging pro-worker bias by the NLRB and claims that union leaders bribed colleagues for votes.

So far, Amazon’s legal challenges have failed. The NLRB certified the union, requiring Amazon to negotiate in good faith, but the company has appealed the ruling. Workers allege these appeals are a deliberate attempt to delay contract negotiations illegally.

Amazon’s Response:

Amazon has not yet responded to ABC News’ latest request for comment. Previously, spokesperson Eileen Hards stated that the company respects employees’ right to unionize but disputes the outcome of the JFK8 election.

"Our employees can decide whether to join a union," Hards said. "We strongly disagree with the outcome, and we’ve presented evidence showing improper influence by both the NLRB and the Amazon Labor Union (ALU). We don’t believe the election reflects the will of the majority."

Workers' Demands:

Employees at JFK8 have called for a union contract that includes a minimum pay of $30 per hour and stronger safety protections. As negotiations stall, the possibility of a strike looms, potentially disrupting operations at one of Amazon’s key facilities during a critical time for retail and logistics.