Amazon accused of illegal union-busting by US labour board
American multinational technology company, Amazon, faces a complaint from the U.S. labor board accusing it of illegally refusing to negotiate with unionised drivers. If found liable, Amazon could be required to bargain with drivers’ unions across the country.
Amazon faces a fresh legal challenge from the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over its relationship with drivers employed by a third-party contractor, Battle Tested Strategies (BTS). The NLRB claims that Amazon is a ‘joint employer’ of BTS drivers and broke federal labour laws by refusing to negotiate with a union representing those drivers. The complaint stems from Amazon’s decision to terminate its contract with BTS after the drivers at a California facility voted to unionise with the Teamsters union last year.
Amazon denies the allegations, asserting it does not exert enough control over the drivers’ working conditions to be classified as a joint employer under labour law. However, the NLRB previously found merit in the union’s claims that Amazon holds significant control over the drivers, and the board plans to issue additional complaints involving other Amazon contractors. The case will be heard in March 2025, with potential implications for Amazon’s dealings with drivers nationwide.
The issue of joint employment has been hotly debated in the US for years, with labour advocates pushing for a broader definition of employer responsibility. At the same time, businesses argue that only direct control should qualify. A ruling against Amazon could force the company to bargain with driver unions and alter its relationships with contractors across its delivery network.