Workers at an Amazon warehouse near Raleigh, North Carolina, have overwhelmingly voted against forming a union, marking another setback for labor organizers attempting to unionize the e-commerce giant’s workforce.
According to results announced Saturday by the Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE), 2,447 workers at the Garner, North Carolina, facility opposed the union, while 829 supported it. The union received just 25.3% of the vote, falling short of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requirement that at least 30% of workers sign cards or a petition to hold an election.
Out of more than 4,700 eligible voters, only 3,276 valid votes were cast, with 77 ballots challenged and 10 voided. The NLRB declined to comment on the results.
Allegations of Interference
CAUSE accused Amazon of interfering with the vote, stating that the company used its financial power to suppress the movement. Despite the loss, the union vowed to continue organizing, citing concerns over workers facing food and housing insecurity.
“Amazon employees work for a multi-billion-dollar corporation and deserve a living wage,” the group said in a statement.
Amazon, however, welcomed the outcome.
“We’re glad our team in Garner had their voices heard and chose to maintain a direct relationship with Amazon,” said company spokesperson Eileen Hards. “We look forward to continuing to make this a great place to work.”
A Broader Labor Battle
Amazon has faced increasing unionization efforts in recent years. In 2022, workers at a Staten Island warehouse successfully voted to join the Amazon Labor Union, marking the company’s first unionized facility. However, similar efforts have failed at other locations, including warehouses in Alabama and New York.
Workers at the Garner warehouse, where Amazon offers starting wages of $18.50 per hour and a maximum hourly wage of $23.80, were pushing for $30 per hour.
“It’s simply not a livable wage in the Raleigh area,” said Italo Medelius-Marsano, a leader in the organizing effort.
Amazon, which has a market valuation of approximately $2.4 trillion and reported $59 billion in net income in 2024, maintains that it provides competitive pay, industry-leading benefits, and safe workplaces.
North Carolina’s Resistance to Unions
North Carolina has historically been one of the least unionized states in the country, with only 2.4% of its workforce belonging to unions. The state’s business-friendly environment and powerful industry groups have made organizing efforts particularly challenging.
Despite the loss, CAUSE leaders remain committed to their cause.
“I knew history wasn’t on our side,” said CAUSE president and co-founder Rev. Ryan Brown. “But we will continue to fight for better conditions.”
