Union election set April 9 at Austal's Mobile shipyard

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/120626379995580.xml&coll=3

Revote ordered after 2002 effort sparked complaints that company violated labor laws
Sunday, March 23, 2008
By KAIJA WILKINSON
Business Reporter

In a "rerun" of a 2002 election that generated complaints to federal officials, a union vote is set April 9 at Austal USA's 1,140-employee shipyard in Mobile, according to federal officials.

The National Labor Relations Board in March 2007 upheld a judge's 2003 ruling that the shipyard broke federal labor laws with its actions related to the failed 2002 election. The ruling also ordered a new vote.

Union officials last week said the new election had since been delayed by bureaucratic red tape.

Austal today is a very different shipyard than in 2002, when the fledging newcomer had a limited order book and only 130 employees. Since then, employment has increased eightfold and the shipyard has secured major contracts for the Hawaii Superferry and military ships.

Austal, said President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Browning, has "transformed itself into one of the best employers in Mobile, and we believe our employees are now enjoying the benefits of that transformation

"Many employees have expressed support for Austal throughout this process, and we are confident that they will demonstrate that support on election day," Browning continued.

FULL story at link.

[cloudbase]

1. I hope they get their union in,

and then go on to organize Bender Shipyard. If any workers need a union, it's those at Bender.