Thirty workers from the Amazon.com warehouse in Middletown are voting Wednesday on whether or not to unionize. If created, the union would be the first-ever in the U.S. at the retail giant.
The workers voting are equipment maintenance and machine repair technicians at the Amazon fulfillment center - which opened in October 2012. They would be represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Amazon spokesperson Mary Osako says in a statement that Amazon employees already receive competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, along with bonuses and stock awards. She adds that Amazon’s business model is based on “flexibility and open lines of communication between managers and associates.”
The Middletown warehouse employs about 1,500 people, but a yes vote for a union would only affect the 30 seeking to unionize. The final tally on that vote should come later tonight.
