In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 265 workers at the Vollrath plant, went out on strike April 4 after new contract talks fell through. The workers are members of Local 1472 of the United Auto Workers union. The main issue is the union demand that the company end its two-tier wage system and institute one uniform wage system. The vote to strike was approved by a membership vote of 74 percent in favor.
Labor union activity appears to be spreading among Kindergatden through 12th grade educators and school staff members across the country. Among the latest cities reporting strikes, strike preparations, and union pushbacks in school systems are: Sacramento (California), St. Louis (Missouri), Dickinson, (N. Dakota), Rochester (New York), Lawrence (Kansas) and Elk Grove (California).
In a memo to the National Labor Relations Board, Its general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, urged the board to reverse its precedent that had upheld the widespread employer practice of forcing workers to attend anti-union meetings on company time. The general counsel is charged with enforcing federal labor law.
While these company-time anti-union meetings are mandatory for workers, union representatives have been forbidden by the companies to address workers in the shops on their lunch times or breaks.
Abruzzo said she would soon file a brief before the labor board arguing that these coerce meetings are inconsistent with the National Labor Relations Act’s protection of the workers’ right to free choice, “I believe that the NLRB case precedent, which has tolerated such meetings, is at odds with fundamental labor-law principles, our statutory language, and our congressional mandate.”
The practice of these coercive anti-union meetings and denying unions the right to talk to workers has been a widespread tactic used recently in union elections at Amazon and Starbucks.
Sheboygan Auto Workers Strike over Two-Tier Wages
Labor BriefsIn Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 265 workers at the Vollrath plant, went out on strike April 4 after new contract talks fell through. The workers are members of Local 1472 of the United Auto Workers union. The main issue is the union demand that the company end its two-tier wage system and institute one uniform wage system. The vote to strike was approved by a membership vote of 74 percent in favor.
Sheboygan Press, 4/4; Payday Report, 4/6
School Workers Union Actions Spread
Labor BriefsLabor union activity appears to be spreading among Kindergatden through 12th grade educators and school staff members across the country. Among the latest cities reporting strikes, strike preparations, and union pushbacks in school systems are: Sacramento (California), St. Louis (Missouri), Dickinson, (N. Dakota), Rochester (New York), Lawrence (Kansas) and Elk Grove (California).
Who Gets the Bird, 4/4
NLRB Counsel Condemns Widespread Anti-Union Tactic
Labor BriefsIn a memo to the National Labor Relations Board, Its general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, urged the board to reverse its precedent that had upheld the widespread employer practice of forcing workers to attend anti-union meetings on company time. The general counsel is charged with enforcing federal labor law.
While these company-time anti-union meetings are mandatory for workers, union representatives have been forbidden by the companies to address workers in the shops on their lunch times or breaks.
Abruzzo said she would soon file a brief before the labor board arguing that these coerce meetings are inconsistent with the National Labor Relations Act’s protection of the workers’ right to free choice, “I believe that the NLRB case precedent, which has tolerated such meetings, is at odds with fundamental labor-law principles, our statutory language, and our congressional mandate.”
The practice of these coercive anti-union meetings and denying unions the right to talk to workers has been a widespread tactic used recently in union elections at Amazon and Starbucks.
NY Times, 4/7