A union authorization card is a document that workers sign to indicate their desire for union representation. For new supporters of United Amazon Workers, signing this card is the first step toward forming a union. It signals your support for the union organizers and helps demonstrate that a majority of workers are in favor of union representation. This can lead to a formal election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Becoming part of a union can provide numerous benefits, including collective bargaining for better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security. By signing a union authorization card, you contribute to empowering yourself and your colleagues, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future at Amazon BFI9.

A union is an organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about the conditions of their work. At Amazon Workers United, our mission is to empower BFI9 Amazon associates, ensuring they have a collective voice to negotiate for better wages, safer working conditions, and comprehensive benefits. Unions play a crucial role in advocating for employees' rights and improving workplace standards, ultimately contributing to a brighter tomorrow for all workers involved.

Collective bargaining is a process of negotiation between employees, represented by a union or workers' group, and their employer. At United Amazon Workers, collective bargaining aims to advocate for and secure fair working conditions, better wages, and essential benefits for all members. For associates at BFI9, this means having a unified voice to ensure job security, maintain health and safety standards, and achieve equitable treatment. By participating in collective bargaining, associates can contribute to and benefit from a stronger, more cohesive workforce, leading to a brighter and more empowered future.

Workers formed unions so that they could have some say over wages, hours, working conditions, and the many other problems that arise in the relationship between a worker and employer. Unions are important because they help set the standards for education, skill levels, wages, working conditions, and quality of life for workers. Union-negotiated wages and benefits are generally superior to what non-union workers receive. Most union contracts provide far more protections than state and federal laws. For example, in many states there is no legal right for workers to take a break. More importantly, most states follow a legal doctrine called “employment at will” and non-union workers can be fired for reasons that might be arbitrary or for no reason at all.

No, signing an authorization card does not automatically make you a member of the union. Signing the card indicates your interest in having a union represent you and your colleagues and often supports the effort to initiate a formal election for union representation. Once the card is signed, the card will be used as evidence that there is enough interest among workers to warrant a union election. Only after a successful vote to unionize will you have the opportunity to become an official member of the union. At that point, you would need to complete a union membership application and potentially pay membership dues. The union would then represent you in negotiations for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. Signing the card is a critical first step in showing your support for collective bargaining and workplace improvements.

To create a union at BFI9 with Amazon Workers Unite, employees should follow these steps: 1. Learn About Unions: Understand the benefits and responsibilities of forming a union. United Amazon Workers provides resources and support to help you get started. We have posted several articles on unions, both in favor of unions and articles about why people are against them. Our goal is to remain transparent with you, the associates, at all times. 2. Connect with Colleagues: Discuss the idea of unionizing with your coworkers. Building a strong, supportive network is essential. We do it every day, right? Connect at breaks and lunches. Some connect outside of Amazon. The more we get the word out and make sure all associates understand what unionizing is, the better and stronger this union could be. 3. Reach Out to United Amazon Workers : Contact us for guidance and support. Our team will provide you with the necessary information and tools to move forward. 4. Form an Organizing Committee: This group will lead the unionization effort by educating and rallying colleagues, addressing concerns, and acting as the point of contact with United Amazon Workers. We are looking to recruit 2 to 3 associates from each department per shift so that we have people to answer questions. This team will meet on a scheduled basis for updates and news to share with all employees. 5. Campaign for Support: Share information, address questions, and build majority support among your colleagues. 6. File for an Election: Once you have significant support, file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a union election. 7. Win the Election: If the majority of participating employees vote in favor, the NLRB will certify your union, allowing you to negotiate collectively with Amazon. Empowering BFI9 Amazon workers for a brighter tomorrow is our mission, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to Amazon Workers Unite today to start your journey toward positive change.

Unfortunately, that is a possibility. If we fail at unionizing at BFI9, it means that we may not obtain the collective power needed to negotiate better working conditions, fair wages, and benefits with Amazon management. However, failure in one union drive is not the end of our efforts. Failure can be a learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and stronger strategies for future campaigns. It's important to stay united and continue advocating for our rights, leveraging other forms of worker solidarity and engagement to maintain momentum. United Amazon Workers remains committed to empowering employees and will support continued efforts to create a brighter tomorrow for all BFI9 workers.

We understand the concerns regarding reports of retaliation against employees who attempt to unionize. As your partner in achieving a brighter tomorrow for BFI9 Amazon associates, it's crucial to be aware of your rights. Legally, it's prohibited for ANY employer to retaliate against employees for union activities. Unfortunately, there have been instances and allegations of such behaviors at Amazon. Our orientation program includes educating new employees on their rights, how to protect themselves, and the steps to take if they experience any form of retaliation. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way to ensure a fair and safe working environment.

Amazon, like many other large employers, often resists unionization efforts because it believes unions can disrupt direct communication between management and employees. They argue that unions may create additional layers of bureaucracy, complicate the decision-making process, and potentially slow down operational efficiencies. Moreover, companies might fear that union demands could lead to increased labor costs through higher wages and benefits, impacting profitability. For a company like Amazon, which operates on thin margins and relies heavily on a streamlined and efficient workforce, these additional costs and potential disruptions are seen as significant risks. By understanding these concerns, United Amazon Workers aims to empower BFI9 workers with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for fair working conditions and benefits, ensuring a brighter future for every employee. Keep in mind that Amazon is a multi-million dollar company. Executives and shareholders are handed $100K+ bonuses and ROIs (Return on Investments). Paying their employees GOOD wages is NOT going to affect their pocket books.