08 May Local 68 Asks Interbake/Weston to “Count all the Votes”
Despite a relentless anti-union campaign initiated by Weston Bakeries, including firing workers for union activity, a majority of workers at the new Interbake/Weston plant in Front Royal, Va. voted to become members of BCTGM Local 68 (Baltimore). Unfortunately, the vote is in limbo because the company is not recognizing the “yes” votes of five workers that were fired for their union activity–a right that is protected under the National Labor Relations Act.
Local 68 has filed 32 unfair labor practice charges against the company. The charges assert that the company: threatened job termination for union supporters; kept union supporters under surveillance; fired union supporters; interrogated workers on their union involvement; and threatened workers current benefits. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is currently investigating the federal charges against the company.
The anti-union campaign carried out by Weston was one of the most ruthless campaigns the BCTGM has seen in decades. The illegal actions taken by the company during the organizing effort illustrate yet another example of why major labor law reform, specifically the Employee Free Choice Act, is so desperately needed.
More information on the campaign, and the latest updates can be found on the special Weston/Interbake organizing site by clicking here.