RALEIGH, North Carolina: Amazon workers in North Carolina voted against joining a union, giving a big win for the company, which has vehemently opposed unions in its U.S. facilities.

About 75 percent of the 4,300 workers at the Garner warehouse voted against the union, marking a setback for union leaders. A simple majority was needed to form the union.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released the results, showing 2,447 votes against the union and 829 in favor. Amazon says workers are better off having a direct relationship with the company, while union leaders believe collective bargaining is needed for better pay and working conditions.

Union organizers accused Amazon of using illegal tactics to intimidate workers. This vote follows a recent union victory at a Whole Foods location in Philadelphia, but Amazon is challenging that result.

Organizers of the Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity and Empowerment (CAUSE) hoped to form Amazon's second unionized warehouse. Last year, a facility in Staten Island successfully unionized, but Amazon has not recognized that union.

Union membership in the U.S. has been steadily decreasing, with only 9.9 percent of workers in unions last year. North Carolina has the lowest union membership in the country at just 2.4 percent.

CAUSE members wanted higher wages and longer lunch breaks. Workers at the Garner warehouse earn US$18.50 an hour, which is more than double North Carolina's minimum wage. However, CAUSE Secretary Italo Medelius-Marsano said workers walk long distances during their shifts.

During the vote, CAUSE accused Amazon of forcing workers who were livestreaming the results to leave, but Amazon denied this. In its annual report, Amazon said unions limit its flexibility and could hurt its reputation.

Recently, Amazon dismissed nearly 1,700 workers in Quebec after a union vote there, which union officials claim was retaliation. Amazon says the decision to use contractors instead of direct employees will save customers money.

Amazon has also been in a legal battle with the NLRB over a union vote in Bessemer, Alabama, where officials allege misconduct. Amazon is challenging the NLRB's actions in a federal lawsuit.