Heavy equipment operators accuse Georgia union local of illegal post-resignation discipline

The resignations followed Dennis Taylor & Co.'s decision to stop using the IUOE-controlled hiring hall for staffing. While both union members and nonmembers can theoretically access hiring halls for job opportunities, there have been longstanding concerns about discrimination against nonmembers and pressure tactics used by unions to push workers into formal membership.

Charges filed by three of the employees state that they never voluntarily joined the union but believed it was mandatory due to misleading information from union representatives. Such misunderstandings are reportedly common in workplaces using hiring halls.

Under current law, only those who are fully voluntary members of a union can be disciplined internally by that organization. Workers cannot legally face internal discipline for actions taken after they resign from voluntary membership.

National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix stated: “Contrary to the apparent wishes of IUOE Local 926 union bosses, formal union membership cannot be required as a condition of employment, a precedent in place since the early 1960s. It is outrageous that IUOE union officials are attempting to barge back into the lives of these workers years after they’ve legally exercised their rights, and are now illegally threatening them with fines simply for working to provide for themselves and their families.”