Union\'s Demand Evaluate the Various

Union's Demand

Evaluate the various claims made by the union and counterclaims made by the company regarding the charges of unfair labor practices. Which of the arguments are most persuasive?

The union alleges that the company was repeatedly interrogating employees about their union activities. This seems to be one of the most persuasive of the union allegations, given George Thompson was called and then followed to his home. Indirect threats were made to Thompson regarding deprivation of benefits with the words: "you got a nice job, you got an apartment...this is your last chance." Employee Theodore Ewing was asked to keep his ears and eyes open and to let his manger know if he heard anything about unionization, and Thompson was repeatedly asked if he knew anything, even after he refused to divulge information. The allegation that there were threats made to an employee for refusing to reveal the identities of employees who attended a union meeting seems tenuous since although George was told "this is your last chance," he was not asked about specific employees.

In terms of informing an employee that it knew (or heard) the employee had joined the union, no specific names were mentioned; although employee Greer was chastised for not revealing that there had been a meeting. The only questionable charge made by the union is that the company promised to pay employees for certain medical benefits to discourage them from supporting the union, although the announcement of such benefits does seem to come at a questionable time.