LaborLab has recently published details from filings with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS), shedding light on employers' continued engagement of outside consultants to dissuade employees from unionizing. These disclosures, known as Forms LM-20, are required when employers hire third parties to influence employees' decisions regarding union representation. The latest data underscores a concerning trend of companies utilizing persuader services, with some filings made after union elections had already concluded, in violation of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).
Among the notable cases, The Tustin Group in Fairfield, NJ, and American Rock Products in Yakima, WA, were reported to have engaged consultants at rates of $395 and $325 per hour, respectively. The latter's filing occurred post-election, where the union narrowly won, raising questions about the timing and intent behind such engagements. Similarly, Alro Steel Corporation's late filing followed a lost union election, while Medix Ambulance Service's recent engagement targets an ongoing union organization effort.
This revelation is significant as it not only highlights the tactics employed by some employers to curb unionization efforts but also points to potential legal violations. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, affecting workers' rights, the integrity of union elections, and the broader labor movement. For industries and workers alike, understanding these practices is crucial in advocating for fair labor practices and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws.
