Teamsters Condemn La Michoacana's Attack On Workers' Rights To Form Union

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

May 31, 2012, 05:19 ET

Teamsters In California File Labor Charges Against Ice Cream Company

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Teamsters Union has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against La Michoacana and is condemning the ice cream company's attack on workers' rights to organize after the company fired 33 employees who supported the union.

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"The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is under attack," said Rick Middleton, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 572 in Carson, California. "This means all Americans are under attack. This employer is blatantly showing a disregard for our laws. We are a country of laws—we respect our laws. No man, no company is above the law."

"The company is trying to undermine these workers as they try to improve their wages, benefits and working conditions," said Rome Aloise, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 853 in San Leandro. "We will not allow this company to bully these workers. We will continue this fight and do whatever it takes to bring them justice."

Representation elections for workers in Gardena in Southern California and in the Modesto area in Northern California were scheduled for May 21, but on May 14 the company fired 18 workers in Gardena—the entire bargaining unit—comprised of 11 drivers, three warehouse workers, one merchandise employee and three office staff. The company also fired 15 workers in the Modesto area. The fired workers in the Modesto area included the bargaining unit of 12 drivers as well as three office workers who were not part of the bargaining unit. The elections did not take place as scheduled due to the firings.

The Gardena workers were planning to vote to join Local 572, while the Modesto area workers were to vote to join Local 853. The fired workers, along with Locals 572 and 853, have filed charges with the NLRB against the company for violating their rights. They are seeking their jobs back and want new election dates scheduled.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamster.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters