Union-busting charged (Factory owner cited by Teamsters)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081123/BIZ/811230327/-1/NEWS

By Christine Young
Times Herald-Record
November 23, 2008

CITY OF NEWBURGH — Teamsters Local 445 says it will ask a federal court to force Concept Packaging owner Jeffrey Fanning to give back pay to workers he allegedly fired for supporting the union and to post conspicuous notices of the workers' rights to unionize.

The factory, which employs 62, most of whom are Latino women, is the country's second-largest bottler of nail polish.

Local 445 filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board on Oct. 8, claiming Fanning harassed, threatened and ultimately fired at least 10 workers for signing a petition to join the Teamsters.

Fanning has denied the allegations, saying 19 workers were laid off, by seniority, because business was slow.

But, "I know for a fact he did not lay off in order of seniority," said Local 445 officer Adrian Huff. "There were workers who were there four years who were fired, and others with less than six months who remained at work."

Fanning's attorney, Glenn Grindlinger, did not return calls.

A union election was scheduled for Nov. 14 but was called off by the NLRB after Local 445 charged Fanning with unfair labor practices.

FULL story and photo at link.

[Historic NY]

1. the sad thing is...

this Fanning was related to a decaesed Teamster/Laborer Union Official.