Over the weekend, The Labor Valley Report (TLVR) did a segment highlighting recent examples of bosses hiring “labor relations consultants” to “persuade” workers against collectively bargaining for stronger workplaces and communities.
The “persuader industry” is composed of firms and consultants hired by employers to obstruct worker unionization. “Persuaders,” as they are referred to by the U.S. Department of Labor, utilize a range of tactics to thwart union organizing efforts. These tactics include disseminating false and misleading information about unions and their potential impact on worker benefits. They also employ intimidation tactics and conduct mandatory captive audience meetings where anti-union messages are delivered. Furthermore, persuaders may engage in surveillance, monitoring union activity and targeting pro-union employees, while also following workers, conducting one-on-one meetings, and collecting personal employee information that can be leveraged against organizing workers.
