BESSEMER, Ala. (CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) - Commerce giant Amazon has fired the worker who became the face of a unionization effort in Alabama.

Jennifer Bates was employed at the company's warehouse in Bessmer, Alabama. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said Bates was fired after she returned from medical leave following injuries sustained on the job.

Bates called the firing "unfathomable" and that the firing will not stop workers from organizing.

"For when you fire leaders, it only brings more people ignited into the movement," she said.

An Amazon spokesperson said that Bates has an opportunity to appeal the decision. In a statement, Amazon said their records indicate that Bates didn't show up for work for a period of time, nor did she provide documentation to excuse her absences. Bates had testified before Congress in 2021 about her experience working at Amazon. The Union Election at the Bessemer facility ended with results too close to call, due to hundreds of challenged ballots.