In a bold legal move, Amazon has alleged that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is unconstitutional, echoing similar attacks from companies like SpaceX and Trader Joe’s. These accusations, published in a legal filing on Friday morning, have raised concerns about the potential erosion of national worker protections if such challenges gain traction.
Amazon, no stranger to labor disputes and union organizing attempts, contends that the NLRB’s structure violates the separation of powers as administrative law judges are allegedly “insulated from presidential oversight.” Additionally, the company challenges the NLRB’s ability to fine a company for unfair labor practices after a hearing, arguing against the absence of a full jury trial.
Seth Goldstein, legal counsel for Trader Joe’s United and the Amazon Labor Union, dismissed Amazon’s claims, calling them a “crock of s–t” and suggesting they are merely a guise to undermine unions. Goldstein emphasized that judges need protections to remain independent, akin to federal judges, and questioned the validity of Amazon’s concerns about the lack of jury trials for companies.
Amazon’s move is part of an ongoing effort to thwart union organizing in its fulfillment centers. However, the implications go beyond the rights of their own workers. If such challenges against the NLRB persist, there is a risk that American workers could lose workplace protections that have been in place for almost a century.
The NLRB, a federal agency largely shaped by the current president, has recently leaned towards workers’ causes under President Joe Biden. However, with the 2024 election looming, there is a potential for a shift in administration, and a Republican-led government could alter the NLRB’s stance, making it more favorable for corporations seeking to challenge longstanding labor laws.
“I do believe that this is a real threat to workers, especially if Donald Trump gets elected,” warned Goldstein, highlighting the potential consequences for workers if a different political landscape emerges. As these legal battles unfold, the fate of the NLRB and the protections it provides to American workers hangs in the balance, with potential far-reaching implications for the future of labor relations in the country.
