Labor Episode
In 2004, workers at the West Liberty plant considered joining the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union(UFCW). On July 1, 2004 the workers voted on whether they would be represented by UFCW Local 431. An initial tally of votes came out 301 in favor and 299 against union representation. However, the count did not include 13 ballots which were disputed by UFCW. The ballots were challenged on claims that they were cast by management personnel who would not be union members.
A National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing to confirm or invalidate the vote was scheduled for January 5, 2005 but then postponed until February 16, 2005. On February 1, 2005 the company and UFCW settled their dispute. UFCW withdrew its objections, and West Liberty Foods posted a notice that they would not close the plant or fire workers if employees unionized. This resulted in a final vote count of 303 to 308 against union representation.
UFCW Local 431 held a second vote at the West Liberty plant on July 15, 2005. The vote was 231 to 322 against unionization.
In 2009, the company paid US$58,613.75 to Labor Information Services, an anti-union management services company connected to The Burke Group, to provide consultants who met directly with workers "either individually or in group meetings...regarding union issues."
Read more about this topic: West Liberty Foods
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