Union at Momentive files new NLRB charges

[Omaha Steve]

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=764254&category=BUSINESS

First published in print: Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Clarification: Earlier editions of this item did not adequately explain the circumstances under which Latham Circle Mall came under new ownership. The mall’s lender, an affiliate of Realty Financial Partners of Wellesley, Mass., initiated foreclosure proceedings against the mall last year but eventually reached a settlement to transfer ownership.

Union at Momentive files new NLRB charges

WATERFORD — The union representing 600 production workers at Momentive Performance Materials Inc. on Tuesday filed new charges with the National Labor Relations Board in the wake of a restructuring that cut workers' pay at the Waterford plant.

The new filing replaces one withdrawn by the union Jan. 9. The union accuses the company of unilaterally abolishing existing jobs and job descriptions, replacing them with new positions, engaging in bad-faith bargaining, bypassing the union to deal directly with workers, and effectively repudiating existing union agreements.

"Momentive has fully complied with its legal obligations and its agreements with the union," said spokesman John Scharf. He said the changes were made to keep the plant competitive.

— Eric Anderson