Big Win for Displaced Amazon Workers Supported by Awood Center

Amazon workers supported by the Awood Center won a major victory after the company agreed to meet their demands following the announced closure of the MSP5 fulfillment center in Shakopee, Minnesota.

As a result of the workers’ organizing and advocacy:

— The company agreed to re-hire 609 workers in nearby warehouses.

— Workers who were not interested in remaining with the company will receive unemployment benefits and worker retraining opportunities.

— The company hired interpreters to help explain the transition process & available benefits and to assist employees in taking a required test.

— Employees were guaranteed job placement once they passed the test.

— Workers were not forced to work on the graveyard shift.

These concessions did not come easily. After Amazon announced the closure of the MSP5 facility, the workers spoke out about their concerns regarding transportation challenges to reach distant warehouses, the lack of adequate translation of the required test and materials related to the process of re-employment at other warehouses, among other significant issues. The hard work of organizing with Awood Center helped turn a scary experience into a powerful victory for the voices of the workers.