Unionization vote underway at Schodack Amazon facility

Employees at the Amazon facility in Schodack can now vote on whether to unionize.

This election is being watched very closely.

If employees vote “yes,” the warehouse in Schodack would be the second facility to unionize nationwide.

Workers in favor of unionizing said at a rally Monday they want better pay and safer working conditions.

Employees against the union that NewsChannel 13 spoke with Tuesday say those in favor should be careful what they wish for.

“Things do need to change, there’s a lot that needs to change, but I don’t think a union is the way to do it,” said Chevett Ortiz, an Amazon employee. “Sit down with management, have a voice. There’s a Voices Board for a reason, speak up. If you don’t like something, just speak, but rallying and causing chaos throughout the building for months on end is not a way to do it.”

The company has previously said it doesn’t believe unionizing is best for its employees.

Amazon appealed the result of the unionization vote on Staten Island, but the company lost in court.

Schodack employees have until Monday, October 17 to cast their vote.