Key facts
- Workers at an AutoZone in White Plains, New York, are seeking to become the first unionized store at the company.
- The union election is scheduled to begin September 25.
- LaborLab estimates AutoZone has spent around $200,000 to oppose the unionization effort.
- Eleven workers are eligible to vote in the election to join United Auto Workers Local 259.
- Workers cite low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of holiday pay as reasons for unionizing.
- AutoZone management allegedly used tactics to deter workers, including meetings and monitoring social media.
Workers at an AutoZone store in White Plains, New York, are pursuing what could be the first union election victory for the US's largest auto parts retailer. The election, set to begin September 25, comes amid what workers describe as significant opposition from the company. LaborLab, a workers'-rights watchdog, estimates AutoZone has spent approximately $200,000 to counter the unionization effort at the White Plains location, where 11 workers are eligible to vote on joining United Auto Workers Local 259. AutoZone did not respond to requests for comment.
Workers like Nathan DuCongé, who has worked at the store for about two years, cited low pay and working conditions as primary motivators for organizing. DuCongé noted that the idea gained traction after attending an Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee training and connecting with a UAW organizer. David Valencia, another employee, highlighted the lack of holiday pay for part-time workers as a significant grievance, stating that AutoZone only provides paid holidays for eligible full-time employees.
According to DuCongé and Valencia, AutoZone management became aware of the organizing drive after authorization cards were collected. The store subsequently saw an influx of regional and corporate managers, as well as human resources executives, which they described as a bizarre scene that even customers noticed. Initially, management inquired about how they could assist, but shifted to deterring unionization after receiving a formal letter announcing the intent to organize. Management reportedly held meetings to present reasons against unionizing and allegedly threatened to delay the election by challenging DuCongé's eligibility, leading to his promotion to supervisor. DuCongé stated this situation forced him to sacrifice his eligibility to ensure the election could proceed.
Recordings shared by DuCongé suggest managers made comments about accepting his "invitation to fire you," and his social media posts were reportedly monitored. A screenshot indicated AutoZone CEO Phil Daniele's Facebook account had viewed a story about the union campaign. Management letters urged workers to vote against the union, raising concerns about union dues and potential negative outcomes from bargaining, though no specific proposed contract details were provided to support claims of workers ending up with less pay. One letter expressed concern that the union could disrupt the "mutual respect, teamwork and culture" built at the store.
LaborLab, with assistance from store workers, identified at least 11 corporate executives who appeared at the White Plains store, allegedly to discourage organizing. The Teamsters previously attempted to unionize an AutoZone distribution center in the early 1990s, losing an election that was later ordered rerun by the National Labor Relations Board due to AutoZone's conduct, which included prohibiting union discussions and threatening pay increases. Valencia concluded that the company's strong response indicates the potential for significant change within the company if the union succeeds.