Teamsters Charge Amazon Amid Homophobic Union Busting
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
-
- Amazon suspended a driver after being assaulted by a union buster.
-
- Teamsters filed charges, demanding the driver's reinstatement.
-
- Amazon spent over $17.2M on anti-union efforts, workers push back.
Amazon Union Buster Assaults Queens Driver
Press Contact: Alex Moore Email: amoore@teamster.org
(QUEENS, N.Y.) – Amazon Teamsters protested after an Amazon driver was verbally assaulted by a corporate union buster using a homophobic slur at the DBK4 facility in Queens, witnessed by Amazon management. The Teamsters filed unfair labor practice charges and formal complaints with the EEOC.
The driver, named Emmanuel T., reported that the union buster, Juan Carlos Cervantes, threatened him with violence and called him a slur multiple times. Later, Amazon suspended Emmanuel, citing an investigation. “Amazon creates an unsafe workplace, especially for LGBTQ workers. We need a Teamsters Union contract,” said Emmanuel.
Amazon drivers at DBK4 had organized with the Teamsters in September, but Amazon refused to recognize the union, leading to many ULP charges. Amazon is legally required to bargain but has violated labor laws by refusing.
Following the suspension, Amazon drivers marched demanding Emmanuel's reinstatement and removal of union busters like Cervantes. Amazon continues to withhold reinstatement details.
“I stood with Emmanuel to tell Amazon this conduct is unacceptable,” said Latrice Shadae Johnson, an Amazon Teamster. “It’s painful knowing Amazon pays union busters more than us workers. We demand recognition.”
Amazon spent over $17.2 million on union busters from 2022-2023, according to LaborLab. Despite these efforts, many Amazon workers nationwide continue to join the Teamsters, including recent organizing successes in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Southern California.
At key air hubs, workers have walked off the job to protest unfair practices. Amazon Labor Union members at JFK8 voted to affiliate with Teamsters by 98.3% in June.
The growing momentum sees more Amazon drivers becoming Teamsters, demanding fair treatment from the global e-commerce giant.
For more details, visit Teamster.org, follow us on Twitter @Teamsters, and like us on Facebook.
---
Read More USA Works News
