WGME-TV 13 offices in Portland.The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will be issuing a second Complaint and Notice of Hearing to WGME for engaging in unfair labor practices as a result of a charge by IBEW Local 1837. The Union charged that the Company “restrained and coerced employees” by unlawfully requiring them to participate in interviews with their Employer in preparation for a trial on an earlier Complaint. Such a requirement would be a violation of a member’s rights under the National Labor Relations Act. WGME would not agree to a settlement on this new case, leading to the decision by the NLRB to file another Complaint against the Portland television station.

The original charge by the Union was filed on March 19, 2007, after Union Steward Jack Amrock was threatened, intimidated and coerced by WGME management while fulfilling his responsibilities as steward by investigating a possible contract violation.

IBEW Local 1837 members at Bangor Hydro will no longer face the possibility of being fired for failing to follow the Company’s new “tobacco-free workplace” policy prohibiting use of tobacco products while at work or on company property. This after BHE agreed to remove termination of employment from the final step of disciplinary procedures for failure to comply with the new rules. The original policy went beyond a prohibition on smoking and also included the use of smokeless tobacco products.

“Bangor Hydro has agreed to a much more clear and reasonable definition of where tobacco products may be used,” said IBEW 1837 Business Manager Cynthia Phinney. Under the new agreement between BHE and our Union, IBEW members may now smoke or use tobacco products during breaks, while on lunch or on call, as long as they remain at least 25 feet away from Company property or a worksite.

The Current is distributed quarterly by IBEW 1837 stewards at worksites. You can also download the most recent edition here.

Highlights include:
The CMP 47 Ratify Their First Contract
NH Co-op Members Ratify Five-Year Agreement
Companies Playing The Role of Parents: Attack on Tobacco Use
Labor Day Festivities Stories and Photos from ME & NH
Legislative Update: RESPECT Act

Download the Fall 2007 issue of The Current by clicking the attachment below.

With the holiday shopping season bearing down on us, you have a chance to support Union principles while buying great gifts for family and friends. By selecting Union-made gifts, you’ll help make the holidays even happier for other working people, their families and their communities. What’s more, you know that gifts made by union workers are of the highest quality, so you can feel good about doing good.

Another great way to shop is to look for products that are Fair Trade certified (TM). Fair Trade advocates work to promote labor, environmental, and social policy standards to benefit working people.

This past year we’ve had many of our worst fears confirmed about the safety of some of the items that we purchase every day.