FLORENCE, Ky. — Workers at the Amazon Air Hub in northern Kentucky gathered Saturday afternoon to rally in support of unionization efforts and collect union authorization cards.
“A lot of workers here are working two jobs. They’re doubled up in apartments because we don’t have what we deserve. We need a decent wage out here, we need 30 an hour to have a decent wage and a decent living to work at Amazon to work at KCVG and to fight for what we need,” said Griffin Ritze, a ramp associate at Amazon.
The workers also mentioned they aren’t getting enough of a break for the hours they work and want better treatment.
Workers rallied up on Amazon property through part of the afternoon, where outside sources were not allowed in.
Mary Kate Paradis, an Amazon spokesperson, released a statement from the company in regards to this, saying: “Our priority is to ensure the safety and privacy of our employees. As always, non-credentialed employees, community members and media must follow our standard process, which prohibits the public from entering private property.”
After the rally, workers joined other local labor officials, supporters and those from the Amazon Labor union on the street near the property.
Local labor supporters say they wanted to show up in support of the Amazon union.
“These people know a great deal about this business,” said Brian Griffin, executive secretary and treasurer for the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council. “They bring a lot of value to this business and it’s important that they have that recognition, that their work is respected, and that they get what’s due.”
In response to the rally, Paradis issued a statement from Amazon, saying that the company is “always listening and looking at ways to improve.” They also said they’re proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and safe work they provide their workers.
The statement said the rally was a small group, organized mostly by outsiders.
Amazon Air Hub employees continue to say they’ll fight for what they want.
“We’re going to keep pushing,” said Ritze. “This is just the beginning. We’ve linked up with Amazon labor union in Staten Island and this is one union we’re fighting. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
The National Labor Relations Board reports that if at least 30% of workers sign cards or a petition in favor of a union, then the NLRB will conduct an election.
If a majority of those who vote choose the union, the NLRB will certify the union as your representative for collective bargaining.
They also report an employer may voluntarily recognize a union based on evidence that a majority of employees want it to represent them.