Last May, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Laval, Canada, unionized for the first time, citing dissatisfaction with work conditions. Following this, Amazon announced the closure of all seven Quebec facilities, laying off 1,700 employees. Experts indicated that the strong labor laws in Quebec meant Amazon was facing imminent negotiations for a collective agreement. The company attributed the decision to cost reduction strategies, while observers suggested that closures might hinder union expansion in the region, contrasting sharply with worker demands for improved workplace conditions.
Amazon had tried to contest the certification of this bargaining unit in Quebec and lost. I think essentially what's happening here is that the clock was ticking down on a first collective agreement.
This decision is about offering the best service we can to customers in a way that's efficient and cost effective.
A collective bargaining agreement could have led to the union expanding to other facilities in the province.
The CSN said workers were dissatisfied with what they described as a hectic work pace, low wages and inadequate health and safety measures.
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