First Binding Collective Agreement for Amazon Workers in North America Imposed at B.C. Facility
An independent arbitrator has imposed a three-year collective agreement covering approximately 800 Amazon workers in Delta, British Columbia, marking the first binding contract for the company's employees in North America. While the union Unifor celebrated the deal, Amazon criticized the process and signaled potential legal action.
An independent arbitrator imposed the terms of a three-year collective agreement on Friday for approximately 800 Amazon workers at a facility in Delta, British Columbia. The contract is the first binding collective agreement for Amazon workers in North America.
The agreement includes wage increases that will bring hourly rates to $29 by its conclusion. It also provides enhanced severance protections and an additional week of vacation for workers with 10 years of service.
The path to the imposed contract began in August, when British Columbia's Labour Relations Board ruled in favour of using binding arbitration to settle the labour dispute between the company and the union representing the Delta employees.
Unifor national president Lana Payne praised the outcome, commending the courage of workers who "stood up to one of the most powerful companies on Earth."
Amazon executives strongly objected to the result. Amazon vice-president J. Ofori Agboka stated the process was "improper, unfair and defies common sense," noting that workers were not given a chance to vote on the contract. Agboka added that the company would take its concerns to court if necessary.