JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — Amazon was found guilty of violating labor laws during union efforts at its Bessemer facility.

An objection was filed by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) in 2022, saying the company had intimidated employees and hindered union efforts during the election.

RWDSU listed 21 charges that include intimidating an employee wearing a pro-union button and sending pro-union employees text messages accusing them of harassing co-workers.

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An administrative law judge ruled that Amazon will have to post a notice at its Bessemer facility, as well as in break rooms and restrooms.

The notice should also be distributed by several electronic means, as well as sent to employees by mail.

New elections would be held.

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum released a statement about the ruling:

We never doubted that Amazon would take any opportunity, legal or not, to deny its employees at its Bessemer warehouse free and fair choice. They were the first Amazon warehouse workers nationwide to seek union representation.

Amazon has once again been found to have violated fundamental labor laws. Just as it was ordered after the first election, a new election, now the second runoff, was again ordered based on Amazon’s behavior, this time before even determining the final results of the runoff.

We reject, however, the ALJ’s decision not to provide any of the substantial and meaningful remedies we requested that would be necessary for free and fair elections. There is no reason to expect a different result in the three elections – unless there are additional remedies. Otherwise, Amazon will continue to repeat its past behavior and the Board will continue to order new elections.

There are two things clear in this decision; Amazon has broken the law once again, and labor law is being broken in this country in an amazing way. We take exception to the decision of Administrative Law Judge Michael P. Silverstein. Amazon must be held accountable and we will file accordingly.