Amazon's Libertarian Bezos, No Fan of Unions, Gets 1,200 Union Workers at Washington Post

[onehandle]

In his surprise $250 million deal to buy the Post, Bezos is getting the duty to negotiate with six union locals representing nearly 1,200 workers, according to the Post’s latest annual report. Most of them are newsroom jobs, but the tally also includes mailroom workers, machinists, and a smattering of other blue-collar employees (I’ve included a breakdown of the various unions below).

Dealing with that many unionized workers is a big change from Bezos’ self-described “day job” as CEO of Amazon, where none of his 90,000 U.S. employees are represented by unions.

As The New York Times recently reported, Amazon—like many large employers—is generally opposed to organized labor, which the company believes would “slow down the kind of behind-the-scenes innovation that has propelled its growth.”

It also fits with Bezos’ personal politics. Personal associates have described him as libertarian, a preference borne out in recent political contributions opposing the creation of a state income tax and supporting marriages for gay couples in Washington state.

http://www.xconomy.com/seattle/2013/08/07/bezos-no-fan-of-unions-gets-1200-union-workers-at-washington-post

[Safetykitten]

1. This should be hilarious. The gymnastics of his people here and their love of Amazon,

when he starts to do his union gig stuff.

Should be amazing reasons that will be posted. but I think the best one will be...

"But I get my stuff at Amazon!"

[onehandle]

2. 'But I get my stuff at Amazon.'

As much as I distrust Amazon, my wife and I buy from them. This tells you how insidious their 'no profit' scheme is.

It's easier to not deal with Google, because their cheap/free 'products' are inferior to others.