Amazon Labor Organizer Chris Smalls Blasted Over Tucker Carlson Interview

Amazon Labor Organizer Christian "Chris" Smalls, who helped organize Amazon's first union in Staten Island, was blasted after appearing for an interview on "Tucker Carlson Tonight."

"I certainly am rooting for you," Carlson told Smalls.

During the interview, Carlson seemed to admire Smalls and said that he supported him and his efforts to unionize.

"I've never been particularly pro-union, but it does seem like Amazon needs some counterbalance," Carlson remarked.

He added maybe amazon should "share a little power with the people who work there" because the workers have no power at the "huge company."

"We're in the thick of the fight right now, you know, a legal battle, and, you know, we just have to stay grounded," Smalls said.

Smalls also said that since Amazon is disputing the union election results while the Staten Island workers are also fighting for a contract. In two weeks, the workers will vote again at a secondary location to confirm the results but already Amazon is trying to declare the union invalid.

As a "progressive company," Carlson wondered why Amazon would be trying to thwart unionizing activities.

Amazon is a company notorious for its union-busting activities, having fired Smalls as an Amazon employee over his efforts to unionize. Amazon then had him arrested for being on Amazon property back in February.

Smalls concluded that Amazon's efforts are to control workers and that unionizing gives control back to the "workers at the bottom, like myself, hourly associates, entry-level workers, that don't get the right to negotiate." The goal is to collectively bargain with the company for better working conditions, benefits, and pay, and form a contract to protect themselves.

Smalls hopes for the success of the union in Staten Island to be "a catalyst nationwide."

There were many who disagree and agree with Smalls's appearance with Carlson, with some arguing that appearing on the show gives Carlson credibility he does not deserve.

It started when one Twitter user, @ndrew_lawrence, posted a screenshot of the interview where a headline beneath the view of Smalls and Carlson reads "NY Amazon Union Leader On AOC Abandoning Them Before The Historic Vote." The screenshot did not clarify what Smalls said in response to Carlson's question.

The user clarified that Carlson "is a hateful bigot and he uses his program every night to spread his hateful bigotry. Someone like Smalls appearing on his show only gives Tucker credibility he doesn't deserve."

Both conservatives and liberals took to Twitter to respond after the tweet went viral. Many said that appearing on Carlson's show helps to spread the message Smalls wants to convey to more people.