First union contract for Amazon workers in North America is imposed in B.C.

Delta, B.C. — A union representing approximately 800 Amazon workers in the region has secured the first binding collective agreement for the company's workers in North America. Unifor and Amazon jointly announced an independent arbitrator imposed the three-year deal terms on Friday. The union is thrilled with the agreement, while Amazon claims the terms were imposed without workers having the opportunity to vote on them.

Amazon's vice-president J. Ofori Agboka called the process "improper, unfair and defying common sense." The company stated that it would pursue legal action if necessary.

Unifor claims the agreement includes wage increases that bring hourly rates to $29 by the end of the contract, enhanced severance protections, and an additional week of vacation for workers with ten years of service. British Columbia's Labour Relations Board ruled in August to use binding arbitration to resolve the labor dispute, despite Amazon's opposition.

In August, Unifor national president Lana Payne praised the "courage" of the workers, stating that Amazon had tried to convince them that they were too big to organize and had used their power and money to deter them while making billions in profits. Payne added that Amazon "has fought every decision and tried to rewrite reality at every step but they have failed."

However, Amazon's Agboka argued that union dues would mean workers were "actually taking home less money than they did before." He further claimed that Amazon believed the optimal workplace was one where associates have direct input and can work together to make progress quickly, while also having the option to voice concerns without paying dues or requiring a third party to be heard.