MONTHLY ROUND-UP Employees at an Amazon warehouse in New York City have voted to form the first union at the eCommerce giant, which is the second-largest private employer in the US. On 28 March, a federal judge in LA signed off on Activision Blizzard Inc’s $18 million settlement of a US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lawsuit claiming widespread sex discrimination. This came over objections by a California agency that says the settlement could derail its own case against the US video game company. JUDGE APPROVES ACTIVISION BLIZZARD’S $18 MILLION SEX BIAS SETTLEMENT The judge also dismissed a renewed bid by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to intervene in the case. The DFEH sued Activision Blizzard over claims the company violated state antibias laws several months prior to the filing of the EEOC’s lawsuit. A spokesperson for the EEOC said the agency was pleased that the judge had said she would approve the $18 million settlement. In addition to the payout, the deal also requires Activision to take steps to prevent and address discrimination, harassment and retaliation. LM NYCWAREHOUSE EMPLOYEES TO FORM FIRST US UNIONATAMAZON Employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Staten Island secured a majority by voting 2,654 to 2,131 in support of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), according to a count released by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Friday. “We’re disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island because we believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees,” Amazon said in a statement. However, the vote is seen as a victory for US organised labour by labour advocates, who have long considered the eCommerce giant’s work practices a threat to employees. Nonetheless, even once the vote clears any objections and the NLRB certifies the union as representing employees, union negotiators would still need to enter into talks with Amazon to deliver on expectations of improved compensation and working conditions. LM 7 MAY 2022 | WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM
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