Labor Board Orders Amazon to Negotiate with Teamsters in San Francisco

The NLRB Orders Amazon to Negotiate With Teamsters, Sparking Potential Nationwide Unionization

Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org

(SAN FRANCISCO) – In a significant development for Amazon employees allied with the Teamsters, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 20 has filed a complaint against Amazon over its unlawful refusal to enter into negotiations. The NLRB is pursuing a bargaining order compelling the company to engage in talks following the unionization of workers at the DCK6 warehouse in San Francisco in October 2024.

Sean M. O’Brien, the General President of Teamsters, remarked on the impact of this decision, stating, “This groundbreaking decision paves the way for more Amazon workers to organize with the Teamsters across the country. We know two things are certain — Amazon will continue to break the law and abuse working people, and working people and powerful organizations like the Teamsters will hold them accountable to secure the rights we deserve. Amazon isn’t going to keep getting away with this.”

Over 100 workers in San Francisco joined forces with thousands of other Amazon Teamsters during a notable strike last December, which took place during a crucial holiday period. The strike, prompted by Amazon's refusal to negotiate, drew national focus to the company's working conditions, urging governmental action. The event marked the crescendo of a series of organizing efforts among Amazon’s drivers and warehouse workers.

The decision from NLRB Region 20 could set a precedent for issuing bargaining orders at other sites where Amazon has similarly avoided negotiating with unions. In the previous year, Amazon Teamsters organized and demanded recognition at several locations, including DBK4 in New York City, DGT8 and DTG5 in Atlanta, KSBD, DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California, DCK6 in San Francisco, and DIL7 in Skokie, Ill.

Confidence remains high among the union that the NLRB will reach comparable conclusions in these cases, leading to more orders for Amazon to bargain.

The demands from Amazon Teamsters revolve around improved compensation and safer working conditions. Handling thousands of packages daily, these workers are critical to Amazon’s operations.

Josh Black, an Amazon Teamster at DCK6, highlighted the collective power of the workers, saying, “There is power in numbers. That’s why I joined the Teamsters. One warehouse worker might not be able to get Amazon to listen, but when there’s a growing number of us, Amazon will have to come to the table.”

Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, emphasized the ongoing momentum, stating, “This is just the beginning. Amazon workers continue to show who really has the power. Their historic strike last year continues to push the government into agreeing that Amazon has to negotiate with the Teamsters. It’s clear workers continue to win when they fight.”

Peter Finn, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7 and Western Region International Vice President, noted the growing membership, stating, “More than 10,000 Amazon workers have joined the Teamsters and we are just getting started. Workers at DCK6 are in this fight and Amazon workers will keep fighting until this greedy corporation comes to the bargaining table.”

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million dedicated individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.