Labor Relations Today

Saline Plant Workers File Charges Against UAW: Ben Freed of AnnArbor.com reports that automotive workers at the Faurecia plant in Saline, MI have filed unfair labor practice charges against the United Auto Workers. In pertinent part, the complaint states as follows: 

“The Union through its agents and representatives, has restrained and coerced employees of ACH by: 1. Since about October 1, 2012, misrepresenting to them the consequences of surrendering their ACH employment to take jobs with Devon Alpha Services; 2. On or about December 1, 2012, requiring ACH employees who accepted employment with DAS to execute membership applications and/or dues checkoff authorizations in order to collect their first paycheck with DAS.”

A spokesman for the UAW stated that the union was reviewing the charges and would not comment further.

Bozeman Nurses to Hit the Picket Lines: Lauren Maschmedt of NBCMontana.com reports that represented nurses at Bozeman Deaconness Hospital in Bozeman, MT are planning to picket this week to put pressure on the hospital during pivotal contract negotiations. The nurses, represented by the Montana Nurses Association (MNA), said their demands are simple.

"One of the issues that we really want to talk about is respect in the workplace" Johnson said. "We want some wording in our contract that would cover bullying and any intimidation."

Both sides, however, stress that the negotiations are happening in good faith and are working hard towards an amicable resolution. Further, the nurses have made it clear that they are not going on strike. New bargaining sessions are scheduled for this week.

VWR Employees Vote for Union Representation: The PR Newswire reports that workers at VWR in Visalia, CA have voted overwhelmingly in favor of representation by the Teamsters, Local 948. The now-unionized workers have expressed hope that collective bargaining will raise their wages up to industry standards.