Amazon Ordered to Bargain with Union at San Francisco Center Under Cemex Rule
AMZN•US labor judge Michael Silverstein ruled that Amazon must collectively bargain with Teamsters-backed California warehouse workers at its San Francisco delivery center, citing the Cemex precedent after a majority support vote in 2024. Amazon plans to appeal and the case could move to the NLRB in Washington, where a Republican majority may reconsider the ruling.
1. Union Vote and Legal Basis
In 2024 a majority of workers at Amazon’s San Francisco delivery center expressed support for Teamsters representation. Judge Michael Silverstein applied the Cemex precedent, which requires companies to recognize and bargain with a union that has legitimate majority support, ruling that Amazon violated federal labor law by refusing to do so.
2. Amazon’s Response and Appeal
Amazon disagreed with the decision and has announced plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that a court could overturn it. The company had neither recognized the union nor requested a formal election, triggering the judge’s order to commence collective bargaining.
3. Potential Impact on Labor Policy
The case may now advance to the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, where a Republican majority could revisit or reverse the Cemex precedent. A decision to alter that precedent would have far-reaching implications for Amazon and other major employers facing union campaigns nationwide.
