Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Arbitrator imposes first binding Amazon union contract in North America
An arbitrator imposed a three-year union contract on about 800 Amazon workers at a fulfillment centre in Delta, British Columbia.
It is the first binding collective agreement for Amazon workers in North America.
The agreement includes wage increases to $29 an hour by its end, stronger severance protections and an extra week of vacation for workers with 10 years of service.
The province’s Labour Relations Board backed binding arbitration in August to settle the dispute, despite Amazon opposing that route.
Amazon says workers had no chance to vote and argues union dues could leave them with less take-home pay; the union says workers secured important gains.
Amazon may take its concerns to court, while the contract sets terms for workers over the next three years.
An independent arbitrator imposed a three-year collective agreement covering about 800 Amazon workers in Delta, British Columbia.
Unifor says it is the first binding collective agreement for Amazon workers in North America.
The deal includes wage increases bringing hourly rates to $29 by its conclusion, enhanced severance protections and an extra week of vacation for workers with 10 years of service.
Amazon says workers were not given a chance to vote on the agreement and calls the process unfair.
The company says it will take its concerns to court if necessary.
- Who
- About 800 Amazon workers represented by Unifor, and Amazon.
- What
- An independent arbitrator imposed a three-year collective agreement. Amazon says workers were not given a chance to vote on it.
- When
- Friday; the article was published on November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Amazon’s fulfillment centre in Delta, British Columbia.
- Why
- The agreement was imposed through binding arbitration to settle the labour dispute.
Unifor
Amazon
Worker representation
Unifor
Unifor says workers proved they could organize and welcomes the agreement.
Amazon
Amazon says the process was improper and workers were not allowed to vote.
Contract terms
Unifor
Unifor says the deal brings wage rates to $29 by its conclusion and improves severance and vacation benefits.
Amazon
Amazon says union dues could leave workers taking home less money.
British Columbia’s Labour Relations Board ruled in favour of using binding arbitration to settle the labour dispute.
An independent arbitrator imposed the terms of the three-year agreement.
- Workers covered
- About 800 Amazon workers
- Location
- Delta, British Columbia
- Contract term
- Three years
- Hourly rates
- Up to $29 by the agreement’s conclusion, according to Unifor
- Vacation
- An extra week for workers with 10 years of service
What people are saying
improper, unfair and defies common sense
Our associates weren’t allowed to vote on whether to accept it, which has become an unfortunate pattern with the British Columbia Labour Relations Board
Amazon told everyone a union contract would never happen, but workers proved them wrong
They have fought every decision and tried to rewrite reality at every step but they have failed