Amazon faces legal trouble for using ‘illegal’ tactics against labour unions in US – Times of India

Amazon has reportedly violated labour laws in the US. A US labour board has accused the e-commerce major of illegally refusing to bargain with a union representing drivers employed by one of its contractors. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint alleging that Amazon acted as a “joint employer” of drivers working for Battle Tested Strategies (BTS) and employed illegal tactics to discourage union activities at a facility in Palmdale, California.

What NLRB alleged against Amazon

The complaint stems from the unionisation of drivers at BTS. Last year, these drivers voted to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and became the first Amazon delivery contractors to unionise.
The NLRB alleged that Amazon unlawfully terminated its contract with BTS following the unionisation without first negotiating with the Teamsters, violating the drivers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain. NLRB also highlighted that this action is part of a broader pattern of anti-union tactics by Amazon. The labour board also pointed out that it is pursuing a second complaint involving a different group of Amazon drivers.
Earlier, Amazon noted that it does not have enough control over drivers’ working conditions to be considered their joint employer.

What is joint employment and how is it a big issue in US

The NLRB’s complaint against Amazon hinges on the issue of “joint employment,” where a company can be held liable for labour violations committed by its contractors. This case could have significant implications for Amazon and other businesses that rely on contract labour.
If the NLRB’s complaint is upheld, Amazon could be forced to bargain with unions representing drivers employed by its contractors. This would be a major victory for labour unions and could potentially reshape Amazon’s relationship with its network of contract workers.
However, the NLRB itself is facing legal challenges from companies like Amazon, who argue that the board’s structure and procedures are unconstitutional. This adds another layer of complexity to the case and highlights the broader debate surrounding labour rights and regulations in the US.