Last week, LaborLab documented eight employers hiring anti-union “persuaders” and investing heavily in union-busting campaigns. Anti-union persuaders are consultants and lawyers hired to thwart union organizing efforts and deter workers from exercising their right to collectively bargain. Collective bargaining empowers workers to negotiate collectively for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions, leading to improved workplaces and stronger communities.
(1) Labcorp/San Diego (CA) hired East Coast Labor Relations for $3,500/day.
(2) US Auto Force (CA) hired Quest Consulting for $250-$500/hour, and the union election is currently open.
(3) Sunbelt Rentals (MI) hired GRCA, but compensation was not disclosed by the union-busting firm. This union election is also open.
(4) The Royal Group (IL) hired ICWE to combat a union campaign. The election was lost 14-29. It’s crucial to note that the union-busters at ICWE did not file their disclosure until after the election tally was announced. This lack of transparency is not uncommon within the union-busting industry even though it denies workers free, fair, and transparent elections. Perhaps that’s the point.
(5) Golden Mile/Eurostar (IL) also hired ICWE, which has not disclosed its compensation, potentially violating the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). The election remains open.
(6) Pasadena Music Academy (CA) hired LRI Consulting Services for $425/hour. A union-busting campaign is taking place despite the fact that there has been no union election filed.
(7) Tetra Pak (TX) also hired LRI Consulting Services for $425/hour.
(8) Finally, BlueOval SK (KY) continues to escalate its union-busting efforts. LRI Consulting Services has added a sub-contractor (Sam Lard) to their campaign at BlueOval SK.
Anti-union “persuaders” can have an outsized impact on whether or not workers win the right to collectively bargain. “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 such as 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.
Last week, LaborLab’s Union-Buster Tracker was also updated.
Over the weekend, The Labor Valley Report (TLVR) did a segment highlighting these recent examples of bosses hiring “labor relations consultants” to “persuade” workers against collectively bargaining for stronger workplaces and communities.
