Amazon today said it has reinstated Bessemer union organizer Jennifer Bates, only weeks after she was dismissed from the job at the fulfillment center.

Bates, who had just completed her third year on the job, had been on worker’s compensation medical leave. At the time of her dismissal, Amazon said Bates “failed to show up to work for a period of time and didn’t respond or provide documentation to excuse her absences.”

According to Amazon, Bates appealed the company’s decision.

A company investigation determined that while Bates did not respond to requests for information, Amazon could have been more clear in its instructions.

According to company policy, Bates is reinstated with back pay.

“As is our standard process for this type of situation, Ms. Bates had the opportunity to, and did, appeal her termination,” Amazon spokeswoman Mary Kate Paradis said.

“After a full review of her case, the decision was made to reinstate her. We’re pleased that our appeal process continues to work as designed.”

Bates was one of the most outspoken of the union organizers at the warehouse, testifying before Congress and giving interviews to national media outlets during the two union elections in Bessemer.

The Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union (RWDSU) lost the first election in 2021, while the results of the second one are still being contested.

“Amazon was wrong, they tried to fire me and stifle a movement, but the movement pushed back, and I’m incredibly humbled by the global outpouring of support for my unjust termination,” Bates said. “If there’s a lesson to be learned it’s that today Amazon workers everywhere now know that when you’re under attack, you have to stand up and fight back, because when we fight, clearly, we win!”

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum called Bates “one of the most outspoken leaders of the contemporary labor movement.”

“Today, Amazon had to admit it was wrong – because the world stood up and said no. Jennifer made it clear that despite the company’s extraordinary power and resources, she would not be silenced – nor will we,” Appelbaum said.

An administrative judge in September will hear complaints surrounding the last Amazon union election in Bessemer, and could determine whether Amazon’s Bessemer warehouse could see a third union vote.