A look back at 2021 explains why the e-commerce giant is so anxious to get those messages out.
But a federal labor official recentlyordered the result thrown outbecause Amazonallegedly interfered in the process.
Amazon is expected to appeal.
The union vote was by no means the only dramatic event in Amazon’s 2021.
In February, company founderJeff Bezos announced he would step down as CEO.
In July,Andy Jassy, a longtime Amazonian, replaced Bezos as the company turned 27 years old.
On a lighter note, Amazonrolled out a new home surveillance robot, Astro.
And it’s worth noting that customersseem to like the companyregardless of its controversies.
Agrait also said suggestions the company is a monopoly are misplaced.
Amazon will likely beat its drum loudly as the stakes rise.
Employment struggles
Amazon’s labor pains go beyond the union effort at the Alabama warehouse.
The board has the power to conduct a broader investigation if it suspects a pattern.
The labor organization movement comesamid a shortage of Amazon workersthat’s weighing on the company as it expands.
Amazon said it was disappointed in the recent ruling.
The company’s statement didn’t address the NLRB’s finding that it violated labor laws.
Amazon will likely appeal later this month.
The company now emphasizes it isn’t perfect but wants to get better.
In public appearances, Jassy has saidAmazon could do more for its workers.
Amazon also faced rising costs that cut into its margins.
These problems will continue to be costly during the holidays, he said.
However, some of the costs are likely to persist after the shopping fervor dies down.
Antitrust fights
Amazon wants to be the online retailer with the lowest prices on the internet.
So it might seem counterintuitive that critics say the company forces e-commerce prices up in general.
Racine issuing Amazon in federal courtfor antitrust law violations.
Amazon argues Racine has it backward.
If Racine is successful, Amazon prices might rise, it says.
The lawsuit could be just the beginning.
