August 2010, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Teamsters Union files complaints against employers

BY PAUL TUCKER
THEUNIONNEWSABE@AOL.COM

REGION, July 17th- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Union Local 773 in Allentown filed labor complaints against several Lehigh Valley employers alleging they violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRAct).

On June 11th, 2010 the Union filed a Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against Coca-Cola Bottling of Lehigh Valley alleging the employer violated Section 8 (a), subsections (1)(3) and (4) of the NLRAct.

“On or about June 2010 the above named Employer, by and through its agents, has violated the above referenced provisions of the Act by terminating the employment of a Teamsters Local 773 member because of his union activity and because of his participation in the filling and investigation of an NLRB charge, including providing a sworn affidavit,” states the complaint. Local 773 represents workers employer at the Coca-Cola facility on Industrial Drive in Bethlehem.

The ULP was filed at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region Four office in Philadelphia. The newspaper is the only member of the local media that reviews and publishes the information.

On July 12th, 2010 Local 773 filed a ULP against Hayward Laboratories, North Courtland Street in East Stroudsburg alleging the employer violated Section 8 (a) and subsections (1) and (3) of the NLRAct.

The complaint alleges the Employer violated the NLRAct by discriminatorily disciplining shop steward Mary Pitt, including yelling and screaming at her and issuing warnings for behavior other employees engage in without consequences.

All of these actions began once Ms. Pitt was appointed assistant shop steward on the third shift, states the complaint.

The ULP was filed on behalf of Local 773 by Attorney Regina Hertzig of Philadelphia.

A NLRB source indicated the complaint is under investigation.