Vote counts begin in Amazon union elections in NYC, Alabama

By HALELUYA HADERO and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO
AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — Vote counting has begun for two separate union elections for Amazon warehouse workers. An independent group formed by former and current workers is trying to unionize a company warehouse on Staten Island, New York. Meanwhile in Bessemer, Alabama, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union is in the midst of a re-do election to organize workers there. If a majority votes in favor of a union at either location, it would mark the first successful U.S. organizing effort in Amazon history. Organizers face an uphill battle against the nation’s second-largest private employer, which is making every effort to keep unions out.