**Amazon Has Not Yet Responded to NLRB Allegations: Workers’ Pursuit of $25/Hour Persists**
Amazon, one of the major employers in the United States, is encountering mounting pressure from its employees as they persistently organize for improved wages and enhanced working conditions. The latest updates in this protracted labor battle have highlighted notable achievements for Amazon staff, yet the struggle is far from complete. In spite of these advancements, Amazon has not issued a statement regarding the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charges that may carry significant consequences for the company’s labor operations.
### Teamsters Take the Lead
The Teamsters, recognized as one of the strongest labor unions nationally, have been prominent in advocating for Amazon workers. Following a favorable ruling from the NLRB, Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien announced in a [press release](https://teamster.org/2024/08/teamsters-win-groundbreaking-joint-employer-decision-against-amazon/) that striking drivers have “set the stage for all Amazon employees nationwide to assert their rights and bring Amazon to the negotiating table.” This declaration highlights the increasing momentum among Amazon workers who are turning to unions to secure better pay and working environments.
### An Increasing Number of Workers Join the Movement
In a noteworthy development, over 100 Amazon warehouse employees affiliated with the Teamsters on Wednesday, signifying the “first-ever assembly of Amazon warehouse employees advocating for union recognition outside the NLRB election procedures,” according to a [press release](https://teamster.org/2024/10/amazon-warehouse-workers-in-san-francisco-join-teamsters-union/) released by the Teamsters. This action indicates a growing trust among Amazon workers in the strength of collective bargaining, driven by the successes attained by their counterparts.
This rise in union membership follows a significant financial commitment from Amazon in September. The company [allocated $2.2 billion](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/09/backlash-over-amazons-return-to-office-comes-as-workers-demand-higher-wages/) to elevate the base pay of hourly fulfillment staff to over $22 an hour, with total compensation exceeding $29 an hour, benefits included. Nevertheless, workers have emphasized that this pay increase was achieved solely through their organizing efforts, with many pledging to persevere until they obtain $25 an hour.
### The Joint Employer Controversy
A critical component in the ongoing labor situation is whether Amazon qualifies as a “joint employer” for its drivers and other contracted workers. The NLRB has concluded that Amazon is indeed a joint employer, a decision that could necessitate the company to engage in negotiations with unionized contractors directly. However, Amazon has contested this conclusion, claiming it lacks adequate oversight over drivers’ working conditions to be classified as their employer. According to Reuters, Amazon asserts that only contracting entities, such as Delivery Service Providers (DSPs), maintain direct authority over the contractors.
This assertion, however, appears inconsistent with the experiences of numerous workers. A proposed class action lawsuit last year claimed that [Amazon was monitoring drivers](https://www.reuters.com/technology/amazon-must-face-drivers-spying-claims-us-court-2023-04-19/), and a report by Vice disclosed that footage from Amazon’s intrusive in-van surveillance cameras was [leaking online](https://www.vice.com/en/article/amazon-told-drivers-not-to-worry-about-in-van-surveillance-cameras-now-footage-is-leaking-online). These occurrences imply that Amazon does, in fact, exert considerable influence over its drivers’ working conditions, counter to its claims.
### What Lies Ahead for Amazon Workers?
If the NLRB’s joint employer ruling holds, Amazon might be obligated to negotiate with all unionized contractors striving for improved working conditions. This would represent a significant alteration in the company’s labor relations approach and could establish a precedent for other tech firms reliant on contracted labor.
However, the future remains unpredictable. In March, Amazon will encounter an administrative judge who will assess the evidence against the company during a hearing, as reported by Reuters. Subsequently, the NLRB will evaluate the ruling, and there is potential for the case to be appealed in federal court. This protracted legal procedure implies that it may take considerable time before a final outcome is determined.
### Conclusion: The Struggle Persists
Despite the obstacles, Amazon employees are achieving considerable progress in their quest for improved wages and working conditions. The participation of the Teamsters and the increasing workforce aligning with the union signify a transformation in the labor dynamics at Amazon. While the company has not yet provided feedback on the NLRB allegations, the pressure continues to escalate, and the result of this confrontation could hold significant consequences for Amazon and its employees.
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