AKRON (Aug. 22) — A United Steelworkers local and former local members have reached a settlement in an unfair labor practices case alleging harassment following the workers´ resignation from the union.
The complaint, filed May 31, alleged that after three Goodyear employees resigned from USW Local 2 in Akron during the 86-day strike against the company and crossed the picket line, they were harassed, fined and charged union dues.
Local union members also made a threatening phone call and "verbally threatened and coerced" one of the workers at his home on several occasions using a bullhorn, the complaint alleged.
The settlement was approved by the National Labor Relations Board on Aug. 14 and announced Aug. 20 by the National Right to Work Defense Foundation, a legal aid organization specializing in fighting compulsory union activity which helped one of the workers in the case.
The agreement requires USW Local 2 officials to stop threatening bargaining unit employees with internal fines and termination, bringing employees up on disciplinary charges, holding internal trials or fining workers because they resign their membership or choose to work during a strike. The notice detailing the agreement also must be posted at the plant in Akron for 60 days.
Execution of the settlement does not constitute an admission that the local violated the National Labor Relations Act, the agreement said.