Congressman Payne Calls on Amazon to Stop Anti-Union Activities in New Op-Ed Piece

Payne Says Amazon Must Respect Union Rights to Open Distribution Center in Newark

NEWARK, NJ – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) released an op-ed today making it clear that Amazon should not be able to move forward with a proposed new distribution center in Newark unless it dramatically improves its labor practices and stops opposing workers’ right to unionize.

“We cannot move forward with a development as significant as this without properly offering labor unions, environmental advocacy groups and local residents the chance to raise their concerns,” said Congressman Payne. “If Amazon wants to come to Newark, I believe they should pledge not to fight union organizers at their facilities and make a commitment to labor peace. As a member of Congress and a former union member myself, seeing people join together and rise up to fight collectively for higher pay and fairer treatment is truly inspiring, because I know that it is the surest path in our country to economic security and freedom.”

Congressman Payne has been a tireless advocate for union rights, and has built a strong base of support from the labor community in his district, earning him endorsements from Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, AFSCME NJ, and 32BJ SEIU.

“As we continue to recover from the various devastations brought by the pandemic, we can be certain that this period will be remembered as the time workers said enough is enough!” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ SEIU Vice President and NJ State Director. “Congressman Payne recognizes the critical role of unions in making working conditions better and furthering economic and racial justice. We hope to see Amazon respect workers’ right to organize without employer coercion and provide wages benefits and conditions that would allow them,  their families, and their communities to thrive. We all deserve dignity and respect on the job.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne:

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values, and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.