Authority Settles Workers' Complaint (dismissed after they signed union membership applications)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.courant.com/news/local/nb/hc-nebunion0109.artjan09,0,5003929.story

By MONICA POLANCO | Courant Staff Writer
January 9, 2008

NEW BRITAIN - — The New Britain Housing Authority has settled a complaint filed by AFSCME Council 4 on behalf of two temporary workers who were dismissed after they signed union membership applications.

The settlement, reached through the State Board of Labor Relations on Thursday, sets no precedent and acknowledges no wrongdoing on the housing authority's behalf, according to the agreement.

AFSCME filed the complaint in November after the former workers, Juan Garcia and Felix Bruno, signed union membership cards. The men, who had been working for the housing authority for more than a year, were dismissed as a result of the authority's "ongoing financial constraints," according to a letter from Mary "Lisa" Royce, the housing authority's executive director.

Royce could not be reached for comment, but Larry Dorman, a spokesman for Council 4, which represents Local 1186 and other state and municipal employees, said he was pleased with the settlement.

"I think it confirms our position that workers shouldn't be treated as temporary, casual or throwaway employees, that they ought to have rights," he said.

FULL story at link.