12/2/1994 RC Petition filed by Newspaper Guild, Local 35 for IBT Organizers

[AlJackson1962!]

Brothers and Sisters:

I came across a copy of this petition and wondered about the history. Apparently in 1994, there was an attempt to organize among IBT organizers. Of the many Teamsters that both organized and read T-UnionLink , I figure someone can enlighten me on what happened then.

Thanks.

[Doctorpepper782]

I have a sneaky suspicion they will never get a contract.

[AlJackson1962!]

I was hoping someone reading this here remembers what happened with the Newspaper Guild’s organizing drive in 1994.

[Bob Randall]

Right around that time there was an attempt by the IBT organizers. I was friends with one of the organizers that was instrumental in the effort. This was during the Carey administration (94?) with Bob Muelenkamp serving as the Director of Organizing. Bob brought along successful organizers from SEIU such as John August to serve in management positions. As I was told, things began to "go south" (become difficult) for the organizer's efforts. As I was told, after Ron and BM became aware of the effort (post filing?) my friend recognized the IBT's union busting effort and went public with a newspaper article with my friend (Hannah) talking openly and negatively about the IBT's effort. The article included a large photo of her as well. She was immediately terminated and subsequently filed a charge at the NLRB claiming discrimination for organizing activities. The parties eventually settled prior to trial. At that time I was not aware of a "representing" union. However, this sounds as if it was right in that time period. Bob Muelenkamp was recognized as a brilliant organizer. He had previously served as the Organizing Director for the Service Employees International Union. SEIU had been, and still is, notorious for aggressive union busting of its organizers. As having spent ten years as an SEIU organizer I've been aware of how the union dispatches people with assignments just as an employer does.

I'm not aware of an election being ordered or held as a result of the petition. If my timing is accurate, I'm expecting that the petition was pulled prior to election. This is not unusual when organizing efforts are recognized as not having a chance.

[AlJackson1962!]

Thanks for the info Bob. So the NLRB issued a complaint against the IBT relative to your friend’s discharge that was settled?
so under Carey, the IBT tried to defeat the organizers from organizing? I hear what you’re saying about SEIU organizers. Did things change at SEIU after John Sweeney went to head the AFL-CIO and Andy Stern succeeded him?

[Bob Randall]

Well, the issue was settled prior to trial. If I remember correctly the IBT claimed that the termination was due to the negative article in the newspaper. As I remember, my friend said that she was shocked and offended greatly because she had previously held Muelenkamp in such high regard and looked at him as an organizer "god". So, she said, "fuck it." Now, I'm sure that she would not have admitted that in a trial. It sounds like both parties had a case to make. However, the busting effort by the IBT was real prior to termination. As you know, the Board issuance is not a finding of guilt. It's based on a prima facie case. And...as I said, "as I was told" the IBT tried to defeat the effort. My ten years with SEIU was subsequent to Sweeny. During that period, I spent much time with and around International organizers and directors as well as Local. I've heard tales from those that I trust. Additionally, while I was employed by a Local I took the lead in a campaign to organize our Local's organizers and Representatives (Agents). The employer did engage in a "B" campaign to bust it. When it became clear to the Local that we (I) had designed a plan to include the Board's Region in a certain way the Local recognized us. Subsequent to that I was retaliated against. I expect that it was with the hope that I would resign. I was told "off the record" by one of the Local's Board members that the Local's President stated in a closed session, "there must be a price to pay for forming a union." Bahahahaha! I've heard other tales of aggressive campaigns by SEIU. I'll just leave it at that so as not to memorialize herein.

[Nights]

Not by coincidence there was a surge of organizing at the IBT starting immediately after Ron Carey was elected President. OPEIU began representing the staff.

[AlJackson1962!]

Ok. So the IBT under Carey recognized the OPEIU and bargained a contract covering IBT non-management workers?

[Nights]

As I recall there was an RC election. But yes a collective bargaining agreement was the result.