Dometic workers settle federal case against UAW over illegal strike threats

Amanda K. Freeman | Associate Corporate Counsel and Staff Attorney (2020-present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

By Sky Industry News

Oct 16, 2024

Seven employees of Dometic's Philadelphia-area plant have reached a settlement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union officials after filing a federal case. The case was based on allegations that the union threatened illegal discipline during a strike. This outcome mandates UAW officials to address not only these threats but also issues related to blocking workers from resigning their memberships and unlawfully demanding full union dues.

The employees involved in this case are Eric Angell, Robert Haldeman, Mario Coccie, Nancy Powelson, Joseph Buchak, Md Rasidul Islam, and James Nold. They received legal assistance from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation. Initially, they filed federal Unfair Labor Practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) following a September 2023 strike order by UAW officials. This order included communications suggesting disciplinary actions or termination for those who continued working.

The NLRB enforces the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which allows private sector workers in the U.S. to refrain from union activities. The Supreme Court has affirmed workers' rights to resign from unions during strikes in General Motors v. NLRB.

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As part of the settlement, UAW officials must post notices about employee rights at both union offices and Dometic’s Pottstown plant and communicate these rights via text message. They are also required to remove a Facebook post threatening non-striking workers with termination and undergo training on imposing internal discipline.

All seven employees reported that during a September 8, 2023 meeting, they were told participation in an upcoming strike was mandatory under threat of internal charges or fines. After resigning their memberships in October 2023, they were informed of internal proceedings against them by UAW officials.

Additionally, it was noted that union officials did not comply with procedures established by CWA v. Beck regarding financial disclosures related to compulsory fees charged to nonmembers.

Mark Mix of the National Right to Work Foundation commented on this situation: “The UAW hierarchy...has given workers plenty of reasons to doubt whether union officials truly have their best interests in mind.” He further stated: “We’re proud to have helped these employees vindicate their rights.”

This case highlights ongoing concerns about worker treatment during strikes organized by unions like the UAW.

Organizations Included in this History

National Right to Work Legal Defense and Education Foundation, Inc.

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