Four notable developments regarding anti-union “persuaders” were documented by LaborLab last week, which can be found below. Anti-union persuaders are consultants and lawyers hired to thwart union organizing efforts. Persuader 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.
Houston, TX
Jacintoport International hired LRI Consulting Services at $425/hour. It’s notable that Jacintoport International, which specializes in cargo handling, brought in a persuader firm before a union election was filed. “Pre-petition” union-busting has been on the rise in recent years and more and more workers turn to unions for economic agency. Santana International, another anti-union persuader firm, is onsite as a subcontractor for LRI Consulting Services.
Norfolk, VA
RoadWarrior Productions was hired by Titan Florida for $3,800/day. RoadWarrior Productions has subcontracted “persuasion tactics” to Rallain Consulting. The persuaders are focused on countering a union drive by cement workers organizing with Teamsters Local 769.
Des Moines, IA
Anti-union persuaders from ICWE and The Crossroads Group were hired by UnityPoint Healthy (i.e. Iowa Methodist Medical Center) for $400/hour and $450/hour respectively. According to filings with the U.S. Department of Labor, The persuaders are targeting “all RNs working at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Employer’s related nearby locations.” The nurses are attempting to organize with Teamsters Local 90.
Portland, OR
LaborLab also received a verified report that Laboratory Corporation of America in Portland, OR has brought in a number of persuaders to fight an organizing effort by employees with the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. Laboratory Corporation of America has been aggressively opposing unionization efforts.
Over the weekend, The Labor Valley Report (TLVR) did a segment highlighting this recent example of bosses hiring “labor relations consultants” to “persuade” workers against collectively bargaining for stronger workplaces and communities.
Last week, LaborLab’s Union-Buster Tracker was also updated.
