Workers at an AutoZone store in White Plains, New York, are seeking to become the first employees at the US-based retailer to unionise. Their election to join United Auto Workers Local 259 is due to begin on 25 September, despite what workers describe as an intensive company campaign against the effort. The dispute matters because it highlights concerns over low pay, job security and working conditions at a major employer with thousands of stores.

Eleven workers are eligible to vote, while LaborLab estimates AutoZone has spent about $200,000 opposing the campaign, based on reported legal and management costs. Workers say the company brought in managers and human-resources executives from across the country, held meetings discouraging union membership and challenged one organiser’s eligibility, forcing the petition to be withdrawn and later refiled. AutoZone, which has more than 6,800 US stores and reported $2.5bn in net income for fiscal year 2025, did not respond to requests for comment.