New Study Shows Employer Opposition to Workers’ Unions Intensifying

Posted May 22, 2009 at 3:27 PM

http://www.afscmeblog.org/2009/05/22/new-study-shows-employer-opposition-to-worker...

Findings from renowned labor expert and Cornell University professor Dr. Kate Brofenbrenner reveal that employer tactics against workers' efforts to form unions have increased and become more punitive than in the past.

A new report, “No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing,” released this week by the Economic Policy Institute and American Rights at Work exposes the ugly truth about corporate abuse of workers trying to form unions and bargain for a better life.

An in-depth examination of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election campaigns, interviews with workers and investigations of unfair labor practice filings gives a clear picture of what the process of forming a union really looks like. Workers are regularly subjected to threats, interrogation, harassment, surveillance and retaliation for supporting a union.

Some of the findings:

• 63% of employers interrogate workers in one-on-one meetings with their supervisors about support for the union

• 57% of employers threaten to close the worksite

• 47% of employers threaten to cut wages and benefits

• 34% of employers fire workers

For more, read the full report and fact sheet.