I had a cynical laugh at one part of that article where it said Amazon wasn't keen on unions as it preferred direct communication between the manager/employee etc
That sounds fine in theory but I have seen how that works out in practice in some similar Australian warehouse contexts. Had a friend who worked (as a casual) in one where goods were packed. Unlike most of the other workers, she was English speaking, fairly well educated and doing the work for extra pocket money, not because she relied on it. She very politely mentioned a work & safety issue to her supervisor as she knew it was against regulations, knew it was dangerous. Guess what? never got another shift again.
I've worked in education & found people at a union meeting could voice concerns or opinions freely & just have the union rep take them to the prin at scheduled meetings in a calm setting. People on contracts can feel vulnerable and they don't always feel free to speak out.
I know there are other times & some workplaces where it seems unions might be too powerful, it's a balancing act but unions have their place.
