Joe Biden Meets with Amazon Labor Union President Christian Smalls
Joe Biden meets with Christian Smalls and other labor leaders in the Oval Office (Twitter).
Prepare for a shocking revelation about Amazon Labor Union president Christian Smalls. Despite receiving praise from President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, as well as funding from liberal megadonor Pierre Omidyar, Smalls has expressed support for the Hamas terrorists responsible for the brutal attacks on Israelis.
In the aftermath of the recent attack, Smalls took to Twitter, using the rallying cry “from the river to the Sea,” which calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. He also declared his unwavering support for Palestine, comparing it to his support for Cuba. Furthermore, he promoted a “#PalestinianLivesMatter” event scheduled for November, where he will appear alongside the notorious anti-Semitic former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has previously met with Hamas.
These disturbing sentiments could potentially escalate the already tense relationship between Smalls and Amazon. CEO Andy Jassy himself described the Hamas attacks as “shocking and painful.” Other companies have distanced themselves from unions representing employees with anti-Israel sentiments. Starbucks, for instance, threatened legal action against Starbucks Workers United after the union tweeted “Solidarity with Palestine,” causing significant damage to the company’s reputation.
Despite these troubling revelations, Smalls has been hailed as a hero by the progressive movement since successfully leading unionization efforts at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island in 2021. President Biden even greeted him with a warm hug and handshake at a White House event with labor organizers in May 2022, stating, ”I like you, you’re my kind of trouble. Let’s not stop.”
Sen. Sanders also invited Smalls to testify on Amazon’s labor practices at a Senate Budget Committee hearing and generously donated $10,000 to the union. Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rallied with the Amazon Labor Union on Staten Island, where Sanders praised Smalls for standing up against “our oligarchy.”
Omidyar, the founder of eBay, has reportedly contributed $250,000 to the union’s support and education fund for workers, according to the New York Times.
Smalls’s recent remarks align with those of other Amazon union officials. In July, union vice president Jordan Flowers called for the retail giant to cease operations in Israel and demanded that Israel be held accountable for alleged charges and crimes. Smalls himself has referred to Israel as an “apartheid state.”
However, Smalls’s union has faced setbacks after its initial success in unionizing the Staten Island warehouse. It failed to unionize facilities in Albany and New York City and abandoned efforts to unionize a warehouse in California. Smalls has also faced accusations of mismanagement, with an Amazon union accusing the Amazon Labor Union of violating its constitution by refusing to hold elections for union leaders. Amid the turmoil, union officers have resigned, and another member quit after being charged with domestic violence.
Neither Smalls nor Amazon has responded to requests for comment.
. Ixyaemme, a former barista who was part of the company’s union, for her public support of BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), a movement that seeks to pressure Israel through economic means.
It is important to note that while Christian Smalls holds the position of president of the Amazon Labor Union, his views and actions do not represent the entire union or its members. However, his public support for Hamas and his alignment with anti-Semitic figures raise concerns about his ability to effectively represent and advocate for the rights of Amazon workers.
During the meeting with President Biden, it is unclear whether the topic of Smalls’ controversial views was addressed. However, it is crucial for the president to be aware of the individuals he meets with, especially those who hold significant positions within labor unions. The president’s support and praise have the potential to legitimize individuals with troubling ideologies and tarnish his own reputation.
As leaders continue to navigate the complex landscape of labor relations and workers’ rights, it is crucial to ensure that individuals who advocate for the rights of employees do not hold extremist ideologies or support terrorist organizations. Transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of any organization or union, and it is incumbent upon leaders to thoroughly vet individuals before engaging in dialogue or offering endorsements.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Joe Biden and Amazon Labor Union president Christian Smalls raises concerning questions about Smalls’ associations and ideological alignment. While labor unions play a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights, it is essential to ensure that the individuals representing these unions uphold values of inclusivity, fairness, and respect. Additional steps must be taken to scrutinize the beliefs and actions of labor leaders to avoid lending legitimacy to extremist views and organizations. Transparency and accountability should always prevail in labor relations to foster an environment that promotes the rights and well-being of all workers.
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