Sunoco Logistics drivers oust United Steelworkers union across four states

The NLRB is responsible for enforcing federal labor law in the private sector and can administer votes to install or remove unions. The 2019 Johnson Controls decision allows workers to remove unwanted union officials by submitting a majority-backed petition asking their employer to stop recognizing the union.

Fifer resides in Texas, a Right to Work state where employees cannot be forced to pay dues or fees to unions as a condition of employment. Oklahoma and Louisiana share similar laws, but New Mexico does not offer these protections.

Fifer began collecting signatures for a decertification vote at his workplace and quickly met the required threshold. His petition gained further support, leading him to submit it directly to his employer. Consequently, USW officials lost their bargaining power with Sunoco Logistics.

Foundation staff attorneys have assisted several groups in removing unwanted USW unions recently. According to NLRB data, worker-filed petitions seeking decertification votes have increased by more than 50% since 2020.

“Rank-and-file workers across the country like Mr. Fifer and his fellow drivers don’t enjoy the same structural and legal advantages that union officials do under American labor law," stated National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "American workers’ increasing interest in escaping union ‘representation’ should serve as a reminder...that it should pursue labor policy that enhances workers’ freedom."