Lowe's Faces Fresh Labor Charges

[slavenomore]

Lowe's faces fresh labor charges | TradingMarkets.com

The federal agency that investigates labor disputes has found evidence that Lowe's Cos. Inc. may have threatened and fired employees at its Perris distribution center because of their interest in joining a union, government records show.

National Labor Relations Board investigators also found insufficient evidence of almost 20 other accusations of labor law violations, the records show.

Labor board investigators have found there is evidence that the home improvement company fired three people in 2007 and 2008 because they were interested in joining the Teamsters union. In one case, Lowe's is also accused of searching employees' lockers and lunch pails for union-related materials.

This is the latest chapter in a five-year effort by an Inland-based Teamsters local to organize workers at the massive Lowe's distribution center in Perris and other area warehouses. Employees at the 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse supply merchandise for more than 100 retail locations on the West Coast.

According to a letter sent to the Teamsters' attorney, federal investigators found evidence that Lowe's supervisors interrogated employees about their union activities in September and October 2008. In September 2008, the investigation determined, Lowe's supervisors searched employees' locker and lunch pails, looking for union cards and other literature.

In November of that year, according to the letter, investigators found evidence that Lowe's terminated employees Joe Fontana and Saul Cansino because of their union leanings and disciplined a third worker. The letter also said investigators found evidence that Lowe's terminated employee Maria Montes in August 2007 under similar circumstances.

The labor board has not issued a complaint against Lowe's, said Bruce Hill, assistant to the director at Region 21, which includes Riverside County. The investigation is continuing.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's spokesperson Karen Cobb declined to comment on the investigation, saying it would be inappropriate to discuss communications from the Teamsters' attorneys.

Cobb said the Perris employees "overwhelmingly" rejected union membership in 2005 and 2006. More.........

[taterhead]

This is why I have no confidence in the N L R B , they get proof of abuse and do nothing. You can go back and read about the abuse that overnite did to their employees to see what I mean.

[222lifer]

This is why I have no confidence in the N L R B , they get proof of abuse and do nothing. You can go back and read about the abuse that overnite did to their employees to see what I mean.

To many adverse rulings over time have knocked most of the teeth out of the NLRB