Why Amazon Resists Unionization Attempts so Heavily for its FC Workers
Quebec is home to Amazon's only unionized workforce in Canada and workers there recently protested demanding pay raises of $6 to $26/hour.
Amazon insists it wasn't because of unionization attempts but due to cost savings but directly or indirectly, Quebec's unionization had some role in Amazon's decision.
So why does Amazon resist unionization attempts so feverishly? In this article we'll explain why.
Amazon Shuts Down Quebec Operations
In January 2025, Amazon announced it was shutting down all of it's Quebec operations. Quebec has some of the strongest labor laws in North America and is also home to Canada's only unionized Amazon workforce.
Amazon, for their part, insists it had nothing to do with unionization. Amazon said, “Following a recent review of our Quebec operations, we found that returning to a third-party delivery model supported by local small businesses, similar to the one we had until 2020, will enable us to offer the same excellent service and deliver even greater savings to our customers in the long term.”
Regardless of whether you believe Amazon or not in this situation, Amazon has had made very strong anti-unionization attempts over the years.
Amazon has used various tactics to prevent unionization, such as holding mandatory anti-union meetings, increasing surveillance on pro-union employees, and spreading anti-union messaging at warehouses like those in Bessemer, Alabama, and Staten Island, New York. They have also faced accusations of retaliating against union supporters and closely monitoring labor movements worldwide to discourage organizing efforts.
Why does Amazon resist unionization so strongly? There's several reasons.
Why Does Amazon Resist Unionization Efforts so Heavily?
Amazon's decision to close warehouses in Quebec after unionization efforts suggests a strategic move to deter further unionization efforts across their operations. While it may seem like an isolated issue in Quebec, Amazon likely views it as a potential catalyst for broader labor movements across Canada and beyond. Here’s why they might take such action:
- Preventing Precedent: If Amazon allows unionization to succeed in Quebec without resistance, it could embolden workers in other provinces (and countries) to follow suit. Labor movements often gain momentum through precedent, so Amazon might aim to signal a strong stance early to discourage similar efforts elsewhere.
- Cost Concerns: Unionized warehouses generally lead to higher labor costs due to demands for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Amazon, known for its tight cost controls, might see this as a financial risk that could impact their bottom line if it spreads to more facilities.
- Operational Flexibility: Unions can impose stricter regulations on workplace conditions, shift schedules, and disciplinary actions. Amazon prefers a flexible workforce that can adapt to fluctuating demand without restrictions imposed by collective bargaining agreements.
- Reputation Management: Amazon has faced scrutiny over labor practices globally, and unionization efforts could attract more negative media attention. Closing facilities might be an effort to contain the issue before it escalates into a larger public relations challenge.
- Legal and Political Pressures: Quebec has relatively strong labor laws compared to some other regions, which might make it easier for workers to unionize successfully. Amazon may be trying to avoid setting a precedent under a legal framework that could encourage other regions with similar laws to take action.
Unionization is likely because Amazon sees it as a long-term threat to their business model, not just an isolated issue in Quebec. The company is probably concerned that union success in one region could quickly influence others, especially in industries where logistics and fulfillment centers operate under similar conditions globally.
Conclusion
Regardless of what you deem Amazon's decision to shut down its Quebec operation as truly being, Amazon has a track record of attempting to stall unionization efforts. With Amazon relying so heavily on low wages for its thousands of warehouse workers and other logistics staff, unionization can present a long-term challenge to Amazon's business model.
