In a recent development, One World Ventures, LLC, operating as One World Beef, has enlisted the services of at least five consultants from The Labor Pros, a notorious union-busting firm based in Orlando, Florida. Corporate filings reveal that The Labor Pros was brought on board just before Halloween, raising concerns among workers aiming to join UFCW Local 135.
One World Beef, a Brawley-based company specializing in the importation and exportation of beef, generates millions of dollars in revenue annually. However, the company’s recent union-busting campaign has sparked controversy, with The Labor Pros failing to comply with the Labor Management Relations and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).
The LMRDA mandates that union-busting firms disclose the terms and conditions of their activities within thirty days of being hired. Shockingly, The Labor Pros failed to provide any information in their disclosure filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, leading to uncertainty surrounding the extent of One World Beef’s anti-union efforts.
LaborLab, a nonprofit watchdog, has taken a stand against this non-compliance. The organization is filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, demanding that The Labor Pros disclose the terms, conditions, and compensation for their union-busting activities.
The Labor Pros, founded in 2003 by Nekeya Nunn, has gained notoriety for its anti-union stance. Nunn, also the president of the firm, was a former member of the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. A recent report by LaborLab revealed that Nunn filed a staggering 50 persuader reports late in December 2022, making The Labor Pros one of the most egregious non-compliers in the union-busting industry.
A report from the Orlando Weekly further highlighted a pattern among anti-union persuaders, including filing reports late or with inaccuracies, such as misspellings or missing information. Speculation has arisen that these errors may be intentional, aiming to make the reports more challenging to trace. As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching the developments, anticipating further action from regulatory bodies and advocacy groups.
Update: One World Beef’s Union-Busting Saga Gets a Federal Funding Twist
Adding a new layer to the ongoing One World Beef drama, recent revelations show that the Brawley-based company sought federal funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in July 2023.
One World Beef applied for a grant under the Local Meat Capability Grant Program, aiming to support independent meat and poultry processing businesses. The proposal outlines plans to revamp its Meat Waste Processing Department for food processing, intending to increase product volume, boost demand for local livestock, create jobs, and make its factory more eco-friendly by reducing natural gas and water consumption.
This disclosure comes at a time when One World Beef is entangled in a union-busting scandal, having enlisted consultants from The Labor Pros, a firm known for its anti-union stance. The Labor Pros, based in Orlando, Florida, failed to comply with the Labor Management Relations and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), prompting LaborLab, a nonprofit watchdog, to take action.
The LMRDA requires union-busting firms to disclose their activities within thirty days of being hired, but The Labor Pros omitted any information in their disclosure to the U.S. Department of Labor. LaborLab is filing a complaint, pushing for transparency regarding The Labor Pros’ union-busting endeavors.
