A senior executive at Amazon revealed to a labour tribunal that discussions about unionization efforts among Quebec workers took place in management meetings, albeit without much detail.
During a hearing at the Tribunal administratif du travail, Amazon’s director of operations for Canada, Jasmin Begagic, acknowledged being aware of some unionization activities at the company’s distribution center in Lachine. However, he stated that he couldn’t recall who initially brought up the topic in meetings and was not familiar with the specifics discussed.
The labour board is currently addressing a complaint filed by the Confédération des syndicats nationaux union following the closure of seven Amazon warehouses in Quebec in January. The union claims that the closures and resulting layoffs were part of an effort by Amazon to impede the increasing unionization movements and evade responsibilities under the Quebec Labour Code.
While Amazon refutes the allegations, stating that the closures were not related to unionization but were part of a strategic review of their business model aimed at cost-saving measures through engaging with third-party partners.
