Business

Amazon workers secure first labor win in NYC vote to unionise

Published

2 years ago

03/04/2022

MNN

Amazon workers in Staten Island are seeking longer breaks, paid time off for injured employees and an hourly wage of $30, up from a minimum of just over $18 per hour offered by the company.

Amazon workers in New York City have voted to unionise, marking the first successful US organising effort in the retail giant’s history and handing an unexpected win to a nascent group that fuelled the union drive.

Warehouse workers in the Staten Island borough cast 2,654 votes — or about 55 percent — in favour of a union, giving the fledgling Amazon Labor Union enough support to pull off a victory on Friday.

According to the National Labor Relations Board, which is overseeing the process, 2,131 workers — or 45 percent — rejected the union bid.

The 67 ballots that were challenged by either Amazon or the ALU were not enough to sway the outcome. Federal labor officials said the results of the count won’t be verified until they process any objections — due by April 8 — that both parties may file.

The victory was an uphill battle for the independent group, made up of former and current workers who lacked official backing from an established union and were out-gunned by the deep-pocketed retail giant.

Amazon ‘disappointed’

Amazon posted a statement on its company website saying that it was evaluating its options following the election.

“We’re disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island because we believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees,” the post said on Friday.

“We’re evaluating our options, including filing objections based on the inappropriate and undue influence by the NLRB that we and others (including the National Retail Federation and US Chamber of Commerce) witnessed in this election.”

The company did not elaborate but it signalled it might challenge the election based on a lawsuit filed in March by the NLRB, which sought to force Amazon to reinstate a fired employee who was involved in the union drive.

Widespread labor unrest

Chris Smalls, a fired Amazon employee who has been leading the ALU in its fight on Staten Island, hailed the victory as a call to arms for other Amazon workers across the sprawling company.

The union campaigns come at a time of widespread labor unrest at many corporations. Workers at more than 140 Starbucks locations around the US, for instance, have requested union elections and several of them have already been successful.

But Amazon has long been considered a top prize for the labor movement given the company’s massive size and impact. The results in Staten Island reverberated all the way to the White House.

“The president was glad to see workers ensure their voices are heard with respect to important workplace decisions,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at Friday’s briefing about the vote.

“He believes firmly that every worker in every state must have a free and fair choice to join a union and the right to bargain collectively with their employer.”

Source: TRTWorld and agencies

Business

CWEIC office to establish in Maldives, Janah as Chair

Published

2 days ago

16/05/2024

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) has announced decision to establish its office in the Maldives, and appoint President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Principal Advisor Mohamed Ali Janah as its Country Chair.

CWEIC in a statement on Thursday, said the office will be established to connect the Maldives government with international investors and businesses.

The Maldives hub office of CWEIC will play a vital role in seeking prospective investment opportunities from all 56-member nations of the Commonwealth. The office will also enhance strategic alliances and partnerships between these countries and the Maldivian government.

Veteran entrepreneur, Janah boasts of over 30 years of business relations with the Middle East.

Source(s): sun.mv

Business

Dubai company awarded the development of SEZ

Published

6 days ago

12/05/2024

An agreement has been signed by the Maldivian administration with UAE’s International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) to develop Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the Maldives.

The agreement, officially co-signed by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed and IFZA Chairman Martin Gregers Pedersen during a special ceremony, marks a significant milestone in economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Saeed emphasized the timeline for finalizing the agreement, committing to reach a consensus within the next four months. As part of the agreement, Fonadhoo in Kaafu Atoll will be transformed into a financial hub, featuring a new financial center and a bridge connecting Male’ and Hulhule. IFZA will bear the expenses for these developments.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade further highlighted plans for the Economic Gateway project in Ihavandhippolhu, aiming to attract investors with IFZA’s expertise. Addressing the attendees, Chairman Pedersen expressed confidence in the success of the project, underscoring collaborations with investors to further enhance opportunities in the Maldives.

The development of SEZs remarkably aligns with the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to diversify the economy and stimulate financial growth. The Maldivian administration is optimistic about attracting future investments and positioning the country as a desirable destination for business opportunities.

Source(s): PsmNews

Business

Over USD 713M generated attributing to revenue increasing by 3.7%

Published

1 week ago

11/05/2024

Ministry of Finance has revealed a remarkable surge in the government’s revenue generated as of April 25, which exceeds USD713 million. The latest weekly fiscal report publicised by the ministry indicates that this contributes to a 3.7% increase in revenue in comparison to the revenue of USD693 million, generated within the same period, in 2023.

The fiscal report shows that the revenue comprises USD 596 million in tax revenue, USD116 million in non-tax revenue, and USD3 million in aid received. Tax earnings include import duty, business and property tax (BPT), goods and services tax (GST), as well as earnings from GST. The breakdown of revenue generation includes USD45 million from import duties, USD168 million from BPT, USD330 million from GST, USD24 million from green tax, USD22.6 million from airport service charges, and departure tax.

Expenditures until April 25 totalled USD817 million, with USD629 million allocated to recurrent expenses and USD181 million to capital expenditures. This represents a significant reduction in expenditures compared to the USD244 million spent by the government in 2023, during the corresponding timeframe. Recurrent expenses cover USD207 million for salaries and allowances and USD408 million for administrative work. Meanwhile, capital expenditure primarily encompasses expenses related to structural development.

Source(s): PsmNews