The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a Complaint and Notice of Hearing to WGME for engaging in unfair labor practices as a result of a charge by IBEW Local 1837. The 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. WGME is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. of Hunt Valley, Maryland.

As stated in the NLRB complaint document, the charge stems from the previous September when Brother Amrock, “in his capacity as union steward, engaged in protected concerted activity by investigating and protesting a possible violation of a collective bargaining agreement” and by attending a meeting with WGME management about the possible violation. Shortly thereafter, WGME management issued a threatening memo to Brother Amrock that “intimidated, threatened, and coerced him” in connection with those activities.

The NLRB complaint goes on to state that WGME “has been interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of rights guaranteed” in the National Labor Relations Act.

IBEW Local 1837 has never—and will never—accept the unfair and unlawful treatment of any of our members in their place of work. We will continue to fight to protect the right of our union stewards to work to investigate any and all possible contract violations without the threat of reprisal from management. After all, it’s part of a steward’s job!