Workers at an AutoZone store in White Plains, New York, are attempting to establish the first union at the US's largest auto parts retailer. The union election is scheduled to commence on 25 September.
LaborLab, a non-profit workers' rights watchdog, estimates that AutoZone has spent around $200,000 to oppose the unionisation drive at the White Plains store. This estimate is based on external attorney costs and internal executive salaries, according to reports from workers at the store. There are 11 workers eligible to vote on joining the United Auto Workers Local 259.
Workers Nathan DuCongé and David Valencia stated that the idea to unionise stemmed from low pay and working conditions. DuCongé, who started as a sales associate earning minimum wage, noted the expectation to upsell products despite the low pay. Valencia became interested in unionising after not receiving holiday pay for working the Fourth of July.
DuCongé and Valencia reported that AutoZone management became aware of the union organising drive after enough authorisation cards were collected to file for an election. They described a subsequent influx of regional and corporate managers and human resources executives at the store. DuCongé stated that AutoZone's response initially offered help but later shifted to deterring unionisation after workers announced their intent to unionise.
DuCongé also explained that AutoZone challenged his eligibility to participate in the election and promoted him to a supervisor position, which he says led to the initial withdrawal of the union election petition in late July before it was refiled in August. Letters from AutoZone management to workers urged them to vote against the union, citing union dues and claiming potential for less pay, though no proposed union contract with lower pay was referenced.