Amazon Workers in North Carolina Say No to Union

In a recent vote, workers at an Amazon warehouse near Raleigh, North Carolina, chose not to form a union. The final tally was 2, 447 against and 829 in favor. This means only 25. 3% of the workers wanted a union. The Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE) group, which pushed for the union, said Amazon used its power to sway the vote. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) had to make sure the vote was fair. They checked over 4, 700 eligible voters and found 3, 276 valid votes. Some votes were challenged or void, but the NLRB didn't comment on the process. CAUSE claimed Amazon interfered with the vote. They said the company broke the law and used its money to stop the union. CAUSE plans to keep organizing because many Amazon workers still struggle with basic needs like food and housing. Amazon's spokesperson said the company is happy with the result. They want to keep working directly with their employees. Amazon has faced union votes before, winning some and losing others. They have a lot of money and power, which makes it hard for unions to succeed. The workers at the Garner facility wanted a higher wage. They thought $30 an hour was fair, but Amazon offered $18. 50 to $23. 80. Amazon said it already gives good pay and benefits. The company made $59 billion in 2024, nearly double from the year before. North Carolina has a low union membership rate, only 2. 4%. The state has a cultural resistance to unions, and powerful business groups don't want new worker protections. But there is more organizing happening, especially after the Covid pandemic. Rev. Ryan Brown, CAUSE's president, knew the odds were against them. He said history wasn't on their side. But he also said the fight for better treatment for essential workers is ongoing.