The union representing workers at the Amazon facility in Delta, British Columbia, is making strides as they gear up for their first meetings with members on the company’s premises.
Gavin McGarrigle, the Unifor Western Regional Director, revealed that a series of six hour-long meetings are scheduled over three days this week. The purpose of these meetings is to update workers on the upcoming negotiations for their initial collective agreement.
Additionally, the union is preparing to file yet another complaint against Amazon for alleged violations of labor laws. While specific details were not disclosed, McGarrigle emphasized the union’s commitment to addressing these concerns.
Following the certification granted by British Columbia’s Labour Relations Board to the facility’s workers in July, a legal battle ensued. The board upheld the union’s certification despite Amazon’s attempts to challenge it, citing evidence of the company’s strategic hiring practices to undermine union support.
Despite Amazon’s efforts to contest the decisions made by the board, including a recent appeal to the B.C. Supreme Court, the union remains steadfast in its pursuit of fair labor practices.
McGarrigle outlined the union’s future plans, which include forming a bargaining committee, gathering feedback from members, and initiating the bargaining process with the employer. He expressed optimism about expanding the union’s presence in other Amazon warehouses in the near future.
The ongoing campaign is fueled by the strong interest shown by Amazon workers in British Columbia and nationwide. McGarrigle stressed the importance of Amazon respecting workers’ rights and allowing them to make independent choices without interference.