Respect for Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Resolution Text

Resolved: Shareholders urge the Board of Directors to commission an independent, third-
party assessment of Amazon’s adherence to its stated commitment to workers’ freedom of
association and collective bargaining rights as outlined in Amazon’s Global Human Rights
Principles, which explicitly reference the Core Conventions of the International Labour
Organization and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The
assessment should address any instances of management interference when employees
exercise their right to form or join a trade union in Amazon’s global operations as well as
steps to remedy any practices inconsistent with Amazon’s stated commitments. The
assessment, prepared at reasonable expense and omitting confidential, proprietary or legally
privileged information, should be publicly disclosed on Amazon’s website by November 30,
2024.

Supporting Statement:
Amazon states, “we respect and support the Core Conventions of the International Labour
Organization and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” and
says it respects workers’ right to join or form a union “without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or
harassment,”1 an important recognition that the fulfillment of these rights is conditioned by
how employers choose to respond to union organizing efforts.

For years, Amazon has faced global negative media coverage2,3 accusing the company of
interfering with workers’ exercise of their rights through anti-unionization tactics,4 including
allegations of intimidation5, retaliation6 and surveillance7. US regulators and courts have
ruled repeatedly that Amazon violated labor laws and have ordered remedies, including
rerun union elections8, reinstatement of terminated workers9, and cease and desist orders to
stop discharging workers in retaliation for union organizing.10 In France, Amazon refused to
engage with unions representing warehouse employees concerning health and safety
measures until ordered by both the Court of Nanterre and the Court of Appeal of Versailles.11
In Poland, Amazon reprimanded a union member for recruiting at her workplace, only to
have that reprimand overturned by the Regional Court, which admonished the company not
to treat unions as a “necessary evil” but as partners.12 In Germany, Amazon workers have struck repeatedly over a decade, as the company refuses to engage in collective
bargaining.13

In 2022, Amazon published a report on its human rights commitment,14 which outlines
Amazon’s approach fundamental labor rights, references ILO conventions, but fails to
explain whether and how Amazon’s human rights policies and practices align with these
international standards or its own commitments.

The apparent misalignment between Amazon’s commitment and its reported conduct
represents reputational and operational risks that may negatively impact Amazon’s long-term
performance. A respect for human rights can create a motivated workforce that provides
management with critical and timely information to reduce workplace accidents, improve
relevant trainings, and boost employee morale, thus enhancing productivity, profitability and
ultimately shareholder value.15

An independent assessment would help investors assess Amazon’s adherence to its human
rights commitments.

1 https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/governance/amazon-global-human-rights-principles 
2 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/16/technology/amazon-unions-virginia.html 
3 https://novaramedia.com/2022/10/18/inside-the-fight-for-the-uks-first-formal-amazon-warehouse-strike/ ;
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/sep/30/trade-unions-urge-eu-to-investigate-amazon-effort-to-spy-on-workers 
4 https://pressprogress.ca/amazons-anti-union-tactics-around-the-world-show-what-canadian-warehouse-workers-are-up-against/ 
5 https://nypost.com/2021/04/19/amazon-used-illegal-intimidation-tactics-in-ala-vote-union/ 
6 https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/fired-interrogated-disciplined-amazon-warehouse-organizers-allege-year-retaliation-n1262367 
7 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/24/how-amazon-prevents-unions-by-surveilling-employee-activism.html 
8 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/29/business/amazon-bessemer-alabama-election.html 
9 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/business/amazon-protest-firing-ruling.html 
10 https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/nlrb-region-29-wins-federal-court-order-requiring-amazon-to-cease-and 
11 https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/pol40/3275/2020/en/ , pg. 12-13.
12 https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/pol40/3275/2020/en/ , pg. 14.

13 https://newrepublic.com/article/167263/amazons-global-quest-crush-unions 
14 https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/amazons-human-rights-commitment-policy-and-practice 
15 https://www.ipa-involve.com/involvement-and-productivity-the-missing-piece-of-the-puzzle  ;
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.12662