A group of 70 investors, who control over $20 billion in Amazon shares, has reportedly told the company not to interfere with unionisation efforts by its workers as they prepare to vote in Alabama.

According to a report in the Financial Times, 5,800 employees based in Bessemer, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, began mail-in voting this week.

Amazon has advised these workers against unionisation via posters, text messages, compulsory meetings, and the launch of a website - DoItWithoutDues.com - according to the report.

The investor coalition is headed by Swedish groups Folksam and Ohman Fonder and includes the controllers for New York State and New York City, Legal and General Investment Management, BMO Global Asset Management and the Church of England pensions board.

The letter called on Amazon to remain “neutral” and stop “union-busting”, adding that Amazon was going against the Global Human Rights Principles published on its website.

If successful, the vote will mean facility workers will join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which will focus on issues such as packing quotas, workplace safety and bathroom breaks.

Union-backed Amazon workforces based in the EU were able to stand down with full pay during the early onset of the pandemic

In its statement, Amazon said it was following rules set out by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The NLRB rejected Amazon’s requests to delay the vote and switch to booth-based voting.

Voting closes on March 29, and Union backers need to attract 50 per cent, plus one, of the votes for it to pass.

“As these workers seek to organise with [the union] for health, safety, and protection, Amazon’s investors are watching,” said Scott Stringer, New York City controller. “We want workers to know we have their backs.”

He added: “There is power in their unity and power in labour, and they have my full support as they fight for a safe, fair workplace.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We have provided education that helps employees understand the facts of joining a union.”

They added: “If the union vote passes, it will impact everyone at the site and it’s important associates understand what that means for them and their day-to-day life working at Amazon.”

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