He specifically noted the outcome of the union vote in Bessemer, Alabama, which resulted in Amazon (AMZN) workers are overwhelmingly voting not to form the company’s first American union.
“Does your president feel calm as a result of the recent union vote in Bessemer? No, he doesn’t,” Bezos wrote. “I think we need to do a better job for our employees. While the results of the vote have been poor and our direct relationship with employees is strong, it is clear to me that we need a better vision of how we create value for employees – a vision for their success. “
Bezos also defended Amazon’s record for wages, workplace safety and action against climate change – all areas where Amazon employees have pressured the company to do more.
He shared the company’s successes in a banner year: Amazon Prime subscribers now number over 200 million worldwide. It has exceeded 150 million worldwide, the latest figure released by Amazon in January 2020.
Bezos closed his note with a reference to the 1997 shareholder’s initial letter, which will become an annual milestone for the company. “Everyone: be kind, be original, create more than you consume, and never, ever, let the universe smooth you out around you. Day 1 remains.”