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The Fight Against Unionization: Companies Taking Extreme Measures
Companies have always been suspicious of unionization, but with calls for workers’ rights gaining momentum, some of them are resorting to extreme measures to prevent unions from taking hold. From unlawful dismissals to formal disciplinary actions, companies are using every tool at their disposal to maintain the status quo.
Company Pushback Escalates with Union Victories
According to labour lawyer, Brandon Pryzbylski, companies have always fought unionization, but their resistance intensifies after a few election losses. “You pull out all the stops” he says. This has been seen at several companies where pushback has increased after union victories. Starbucks, for example, has experienced a decline in union election applications since its pushback campaign intensified.
Unlawful Dismissals as Retaliation
Starbucks has been accused of unlawfully dismissing seven Buffalo-area employees for supporting a union after it won two elections in the area. At Trader Joe’s, two employees supporting unionizing efforts were fired, and several others received formal disciplinary actions for trivial reasons, such as dress code violations and long breaks.
Management Restricting Union Voting Rights
Management at REI, a recreational gear company and co-op that sells outdoorsy items, has sought to exclude specific worker categories from voting in union elections. They made this challenge in a recent union election in one of their stores near Cleveland. The company hadn’t attempted this in previous elections, in which workers voted to unionize. Workers at the Cleveland-area store walked out, causing REI to back down, and the store voted to unionize in March. Another REI store in Durham, NC, disciplined and fired employees who joined the union.
Conclusion: The Fight Continues
Workers’ calls for better pay, improved working conditions, and benefits could result in a unionization drive. However, companies are resistant to engaging with unions. They employ tactics ranging from subtle interference to outright punitive measures to halt unionization efforts. It is up to workers to continue their fight for better working conditions, despite the company’s pushback.
FAQs
1. Why do companies resist unionization efforts?
Companies are resistant to unionization because they fear that unions will demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions, which will increase their operating costs. Moreover, they argue that unions make it difficult to have flexible work arrangements and reduce the company’s profit margins.
2. Are there laws to protect workers from retaliation from companies after unionization?
Yes, there are laws that protect workers against retaliation from companies. Companies cannot discriminate against workers who support union efforts, and they cannot dismiss employees for attempting to unionize. However, enforcing these laws can sometimes be challenging.
3. Can companies prevent workers from unionizing?
Companies can employ several tactics to prevent workers from unionizing, including intimidation, using anti-union consultants, and restricting voting rights. However, such tactics are illegal and can result in penalties from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
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