The Biography of Phillip Underwood

Phillip is 35 years old and started working at Interbake Foods in April 2006 when there were only two lines running. He was one of the first 25 workers hired at the Front Royal, Va. plant. When line three began running, he started as a Machine Operator.

Phillip originally felt that this would be a good job because everyone was very nice and he liked the fact that it was night work with no weekends. This schedule would allow him to go to school during the day to become a Microsoft Engineer. Presently, he has only one year of school left to accomplish this goal.

Phillip, like the majority of other Weston-Interbake employees, has seen a change in management and the lack of respect they have for their employees. He feels that Interbake is no longer concerned about the well-being of its workers. Every time he or one of his co-workers would go into the office to complain or discuss workplace issues, such concerns would fall on deaf ears. It was at this time that management began to change its policies to new rules only benefiting management, including a revision of the employee handbook.

Phillip learned of the BCTGM Local 68 organizing effort in late 2006 and not only signed a union card, but had the courage to stand out front of the plant hand-billing his co-workers.

"It was quite a blow losing our first attempt to organize in April 2007. But it wasn't a shock considering all of the threats and lies management used against the union," Phillip recalls.

"I was a well known union supporter and a supervisor even called me the night shift shop-steward. Management didn't get any better after the first election and the majority of us were just waiting for the chance to get BCTGM recognition," says Phillip.

"In January 2008, I signed a BCTGM Local 68 card and started to talk with many of my co-workers. We (union supporters) didn't have to twist any arms--in fact, workers were coming to me and asking for a union card. It wasn't long before management punished me in the most sever way--they fired me. In my opinion this was retaliation for exercising my right as an American to campaign for Local 68," concludes Phillip.

Since Phillip was terminated, he nearly lost his house to foreclosure. He had to swallow his pride and go to his parents for help with his payments. Thankfully, his parents continue to help him make ends meet. Phillip applied for unemployment and Weston Interbake management continues to make life miserable for him by challenging the unemployment.

"I will have to put my school on hold and my car insurance has since lapsed. I've been living day to day and I just pray something will change."