Officials say provincial officials have changed Amazon’s timing at traffic lights

Amazon reportedly changed the timing of a traffic light outside the warehouse as part of its ongoing battle over an effort to unite a union in Alabama. as reported by More perfect union. On-site union organizers had earlier accused the company of changing the timing so union workers would not be able to recruit workers while stopping at the light.

Until recently, the amended timing on the traffic light outside the factory was dismissed as a rumor. But More perfect union with Jefferson County officials confirming that Amazon notified traffic delays during shift changes last year and asked that the light should be changed. On December 15, the country increased the duration of the green light in an effort to get workers out of the workplace faster. There is no indication that the province was aware of the ongoing organization or the impact the traffic light changes may have on the effort.

Workers at the Bessemer Warehouse began their union election on February 8 and want to form a union under the Retail, Warehouse and Department Store Union (RWDSU) after months of organization. Amazon vehemently challenged the effort and posted anti-union leaflets throughout the factory, especially in the bathroom. Prior to the official vote, workers also received a flood from Amazon warning of possible negative consequences from union.

“I’ve never seen Amazon fight for something like this,” said a longtime Amazon employee. The edge previously described the flood of anti-union messages. “I’ve never tried them before to try something so hard.”

The traffic light is important for organizers because of the important rules about how and where organizers can approach employees under U.S. labor law. Employers like Amazon reserve the right to restrict non-job interviews, and non-employees are usually not allowed in the workplace during shift hours. As a result, liminal spaces such as the public street outside the workplace are often important places for organizers who want to promote the awareness of a trade union.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.