Calgary, November 16, 2021 — The Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) has reviewed the application for certification filed by Local Union 987 of the Teamsters Union concerning the Amazon workers at the YYC1 fulfillment centre in Calgary and has decided that there will be no vote.
This was the second application for certification filed by the Teamsters Union in this company. The first was filed on September 13, 2021 by Teamsters Local 362 for employees at Amazon’s YEG 1 warehouse in Nisku.
“We are disappointed with the ALRB’s decision, but this is just one of many steps,” said Teamsters Canada President François Laporte. “The unionization of Amazon is a long-term campaign and our team in the field will continue the campaign and explain to the workers the advantages of unionizing with the Teamsters.”
During the campaign, Amazon employees explained to Teamster representatives that job security, pace of work, discrimination and favoritism are major issues for them.
“Despite this disappointing decision, we will continue to help and support the people of Amazon,” added Local Union 987 Secretary-Treasurer Jim Haryett. “We will stand by them when they choose to join the Teamsters Union, whether it’s in a month, a year or even later.”
An ALRB vote won by the Teamsters would have initiated a negotiation process and the first collective agreement between the parties.
“This large-scale campaign is just beginning,” concludes the president of Teamsters Canada. “There will be successes and failures along the way, but I believe it is only a matter of time before a group of Amazon workers join the Teamsters.”
Teamsters Local Union 987 is currently reviewing the ALRB report and may have further comment a later date.
Workers at Amazon in Alberta have taken the first step toward joining a union. Work at Amazon? Contact a Teamster organizer HERE
The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has 1.4 million members in North America.
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For more information :
Stéphane Lacroix
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Teamsters Canada
Cell: 514-609-5101
[email protected]
