FedEx hit with labor complaint; NLRB investigates Northboro firings

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/NEWS/704050389/1002

NLRB investigates Northboro firings

Thursday, April 5, 2007
FedEx hit with labor complaint

NLRB investigates Northboro firings

By Martin Luttrell TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
[e-mail]


NORTHBORO— The National Labor Relations Board Region 1 has issued complaints alleging multiple unfair labor practices against FedEx Corp.’s FedEx Home Delivery for allegedly firing and harassing workers during a union organizing drive in late 2005 and early 2006.

The complaint, issued on Friday, came after the NLRB investigated allegations company managers at the Lyman Street terminal fired four workers who were active in a union organizing effort with the Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester. The company also allegedly pressured delivery drivers to admit if they had attended union meetings, planned on joining and to inform on others who supported the union.

Workers who testified at a NLRB hearing to determine if the workers were company employees or independent contractors were also threatened by the company, the complaint alleges.

FedEx spokesman Maury Lane did not return a telephone call. He told Bloomberg News the company hasn’t had time to review the complaint. “We look forward to the hearing where we can respond to the allegations,” he told Bloomberg News.

Robert V. Williams of Berlin said he was terminated after testifying at an NLRB hearing. The NLRB determined the drivers are company employees, rather than independent contractors, and are eligible to unionize. Mr. Williams said he was initially told he was terminated for driving after his federal Department of Transportation physical had expired. He disputed that reason and said he was eventually told he was fired for not getting another driver to cover his route after injuring his back.


FULL article at link.