Amazon fulfillment center warehouse.
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Amazon warehouse workers at an Alabama warehouse can begin voting by mail in early February on whether to form a union, a National Labor Relations Board hearing officer ruled Friday.
The ruling kicks off what will be a closely watched union vote at one of the nation’s largest employers. Amazon has successfully fended off unionization attempts among its workforce in the U.S. in the past.
About 6,000 employees at the fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama will cast their ballots between Feb. 8 and March 29 to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
The decision represents a blow to Amazon, which had pushed for the election to be held at the Bessemer facility, known as BHM1.
A RWDSU spokesperson declined to comment. Amazon didn’t respond to a request for comment.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.