Rep. Foushee Backs Amazon Union Campaign in Durham

Calls for open forum for workers to discuss unionization free from retaliation

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) has urged Amazon leaders to provide an open town hall, free from retaliation, for workers who wish to unionize at three facilities in the Durham area. Foushee's letter of support makes her the top elected official to back the North Carolina union campaign to date, known as Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE).

Why it matters

The CAUSE union campaign has filed more than a dozen unfair labor practice complaints since launching out of an Amazon warehouse in Garner in 2022. Key supporters of the union, including co-founder Rev. Ryan Brown, say they were terminated by Amazon in retaliation for their roles. Foushee's public backing puts pressure on Amazon to allow workers to freely discuss unionization.

The details

In her letter, Foushee wrote that she knows 'many workers at all three facilities support unionization and are members of CAUSE.' She said a refusal by Amazon to allow an open forum 'raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for the local workforce.' Amazon did not respond to a request for comment, but in November a spokeswoman said the company respects the right of employees to decide whether or not to join a union.

  • The CAUSE union campaign launched out of an Amazon warehouse in Garner in 2022.
  • In November 2025, Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards said the company respects the right of employees to decide whether or not to join a union.
  • On February 20, 2026, Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) sent a letter to local Amazon leadership urging them to provide an open town hall for workers to discuss unionization.

The players

Rep. Valerie Foushee

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 4th congressional district.

Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE)

The union campaign that launched out of an Amazon warehouse in Garner, North Carolina in 2022 and has filed more than a dozen unfair labor practice complaints.

Rev. Ryan Brown

A co-founder of the CAUSE union campaign who says he was terminated by Amazon in retaliation for his role.

Eileen Hards

An Amazon spokeswoman who in November 2025 said the company respects the right of employees to decide whether or not to join a union.

Orin Starn

A Duke professor who is one of the coordinators of CAUSE's Durham campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I know that many workers at all three facilities support unionization and are members of CAUSE. A refusal to allow an open forum for the free airing of competing viewpoints on unionization raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for the local workforce.”

— Rep. Valerie Foushee, U.S. Representative (NC Newsline)

“Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have. We favor opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual, and to have their unique voice heard by working directly with our team.”

— Eileen Hards, Amazon Spokeswoman (NC Newsline)

“Workers deserve to have a debate about this. Not just to be bombarded every time they go to work with this very one-sided anti-union message that is Amazon's stock and trade.”

— Orin Starn, Duke Professor and CAUSE Coordinator (NC Newsline)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.