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Amazon wielded 'overwhelming' control over contract workers, labor board tells judge
TechXplore· 2025-09-23 10:40
Core Viewpoint - Amazon.com Inc. is accused of exercising "overwhelming control" over subcontracted drivers, which raises questions about its employment practices and potential violations of federal labor laws [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings and Allegations - The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claims that Amazon structured its logistics network to maintain control over drivers while denying employer responsibilities [2]. - Amazon is facing allegations of making illegal threats and refusing to negotiate after drivers organized with the Teamsters union in 2023 [2][5]. - The case involves a small group of drivers, but a ruling in favor of the Teamsters could set a precedent for unionization efforts within the company [4]. Group 2: Amazon's Defense - Amazon denies any wrongdoing and maintains that it is not the employer of its contract drivers, who are hired through third-party delivery service partners (DSPs) [3]. - Amazon's attorney argues that the complaint should be dismissed, claiming the company did not violate the National Labor Relations Act [7]. - The company has expressed intentions not to comply with document requests related to its status as a joint employer, labeling them as a "fishing expedition" [9]. Group 3: Control Over Drivers - The NLRB's attorney stated that DSPs operate as "captive delivery companies" under Amazon's direction, required to follow Amazon's unilaterally drafted terms [10]. - Amazon is said to control various aspects of the drivers' work, including wages, benefits, hours, and disciplinary actions, while monitoring their performance closely [11]. - Reports indicate that Amazon imposes strict rules on contract drivers, including personal appearance standards and social media conduct [12]. Group 4: Implications for Labor Relations - Even if Amazon is found to be the legal employer, collective bargaining with delivery drivers may still be challenging, as evidenced by difficulties faced in organizing direct employees [14]. - Rulings from agency judges can be appealed, and the political landscape of the NLRB may influence future decisions, especially with potential Republican majorities [15][16].
Starbucks workers sue over company's new dress code
New York Post· 2025-09-18 09:04
Core Viewpoint - Starbucks workers in three states have initiated legal action against the company, claiming it unlawfully changed its dress code without reimbursing employees for necessary clothing purchases [1][6][13]. Group 1: Legal Actions - Employees have filed class-action lawsuits in state courts in Illinois and Colorado, and complaints with California's Labor and Workforce Development Agency [1][2][9]. - If the California agency does not pursue penalties against Starbucks, workers plan to file a class-action lawsuit in California [2]. Group 2: Dress Code Changes - Starbucks implemented a new dress code on May 12, requiring all North American workers to wear solid black shirts under green aprons, with specific guidelines for bottoms and shoes [3][4][5]. - The new dress code prohibits face tattoos, multiple facial piercings, tongue piercings, and "theatrical makeup" [7]. - The previous dress code allowed for more self-expression, including patterned shirts and a wider variety of colors [8]. Group 3: Employee Experiences - Employees have reported incurring personal expenses to comply with the new dress code, with one employee spending $60.09 on compliant shoes and an additional $86.95 on work clothes [11][12]. - Workers have expressed frustration over the expectation to redesign their wardrobes without compensation, highlighting financial strain [12]. Group 4: Legal Basis for Claims - The lawsuits allege that Starbucks' dress code violates state laws requiring reimbursement for expenses that primarily benefit the employer [13]. - Colorado law specifically prohibits employers from imposing expenses on workers without their written consent [13][14]. Group 5: Union Involvement - The Starbucks Workers Union, which has organized 640 of Starbucks' 10,000 company-owned US stores, has filed numerous unfair labor practice charges against the company, including one related to the dress code [15].
UNFI workers in South Carolina are now Teamsters
Supermarketnews· 2025-09-16 18:33
Group 1 - The union movement at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is gaining momentum, with over 3,000 workers joining Teamsters since 2022, including recent votes from more than 50 drivers in South Carolina [1][2] - Workers in South Carolina are seeking better wages, stronger benefits, and improved working conditions [1] - UNFI maintains constructive relationships with unions and engages in good faith bargaining to reach fair agreements addressing wages, benefits, and employment conditions [2] Group 2 - Teamsters unions have successfully ratified contracts for over 1,000 truck drivers and warehouse workers in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, and Illinois [3] - Recent agreements include an $8-per-hour wage increase, improved benefits, and a defined benefit pension plan, along with safety protections and additional time off [4] - The South Carolina group aims to negotiate a strong first agreement to protect their rights and ensure fair wages and benefits [5]
Starbucks baristas in Burnaby join union for respect and authenticity at work
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-07-04 21:17
Core Points - Starbucks workers at Kensington Square in Burnaby have joined the unionized movement across Canada, aiming for fairness, dignity, and a voice at work [1][5] - The organization of these baristas was driven by concerns over job security, staffing levels, and inconsistent enforcement of workplace rules, particularly following recent firings for dress code violations [2][3] - The United Steelworkers union (USW) supports the workers' efforts, emphasizing the importance of collective strength in negotiating better working conditions and respect [4][5] Company and Industry Summary - The Kensington Square baristas are part of a growing movement among Starbucks employees advocating for improved working conditions and job security [4] - Workers express a desire to be authentic and have a real voice at work, rejecting the notion of being punished for their self-expression [3] - The USW represents a significant number of workers across various sectors in Canada, highlighting its role in promoting healthier and more respectful workplaces [6][7]
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2025-07-02 22:58
Drivers for Uber in British Columbia, Canada, joined a union in an effort to negotiate what they said would be the country’s first collective agreement for ride-share drivers https://t.co/7A0muyVdp1 ...
Can JPMorgan be unionized? Employees turn to their peers at Wells Fargo for advice.
Business Insider· 2025-06-07 09:01
Core Points - A movement is emerging to unionize staff at JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the U.S. by assets, indicating a potentially lengthy process similar to the ongoing efforts at Wells Fargo [1][2] - The unionization initiative at JPMorgan is largely driven by the bank's return-to-office policies, which have prompted complaints from employees, particularly in the technology sector [3] Group 1: Unionization Efforts - Organizers at JPMorgan have been actively engaging employees through events and outreach, including a recent pizza party that attracted 250 to 300 workers [5][6] - The JPMC Workers Alliance has members from various U.S. states and cities in the U.K., although the exact number of workers agreeing to unionize remains unclear [4] Group 2: Strategies and Advice - Organizers have shared strategies for building support, emphasizing the importance of trust and informal conversations among colleagues [7] - Specific questions posed to employees highlight concerns about working conditions, such as shuttle service and desk availability, reflecting dissatisfaction with management policies [8]
Starbucks workers in Oak Bay file to join the United Steelworkers union
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-14 16:39
Core Viewpoint - Starbucks workers at the Oak Bay location in Victoria, B.C., have filed to join the United Steelworkers union (USW), indicating a significant movement towards unionization among baristas in Canada [1][2]. Group 1: Unionization Movement - The Oak Bay application follows the successful ratification of four collective agreements at newly unionized Starbucks stores in Ontario, highlighting the growing momentum among Starbucks workers for better wages and working conditions [2][4]. - The USW has expressed support for the Oak Bay Starbucks workers, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving fair pay and decent working conditions [3][4]. - Workers at the Oak Bay Starbucks have met the threshold for automatic union certification, with a decision from the B.C. Labour Board pending [4]. Group 2: USW Overview - The United Steelworkers union represents 225,000 members across various economic sectors in Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with a total of 850,000 members [6][7]. - The USW has a strong track record in improving workplace conditions and negotiating better compensation, which attracts thousands of workers to join each year [7].
Starbucks Partners at Surrey's Alder Crossing join United Steelworkers union
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-03-19 16:05
Core Points - Seventeen Starbucks partners at Alder Crossing in Surrey, B.C. have joined the United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2009, aiming for fair treatment and stronger workplace protections [1] - The unionization is a response to new management practices that have negatively affected workplace morale, with partners expressing a lack of respect compared to previous management [2][3] - This movement reflects a broader trend among Starbucks workers in Canada seeking better wages, job security, and a voice in workplace decisions [3] Union Representation - The USW has welcomed the Alder Crossing partners, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and the ability to negotiate improved working conditions [4] - The B.C. Labour Relations Board has approved the USW Local 2009's application to vary its certification, allowing the Alder Crossing bargaining unit to join others in Surrey, Langley, and Power River [4] - The USW represents workers at multiple Starbucks locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, indicating a growing union presence in the region [5] Union Background - The United Steelworkers union is the largest private-sector union in North America, representing 850,000 members across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean [6] - The USW has a strong track record in improving workplace conditions, negotiating better wages, benefits, and pensions for its members [7]