Hundreds of Workers in Oakland, Hayward and San Jose Begin Negotiating Long-Delayed Contract (fixed

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS221562+05-Nov-2009+PRN20091105

Thu Nov 5, 2009 1:52pm EST

Hundreds of Workers in Oakland, Hayward and San Jose Begin Negotiating
Long-Delayed Contract


OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Labor
Relations Board found merit in charges that Aramark, a multi-billion dollar
professional services provider, unlawfully refused to bargain with 220 members
of Workers United, Western States Regional Joint Board, Local 3 at three Bay
Area industrial laundries. The board has accepted a settlement that requires
the company to negotiate with workers, grant union representatives access to
its laundries and pay the union months of escrowed union dues. Company
officials have begun negotiations with a bargaining committee elected by
workers and union leadership this week.

"With the economy being so bad, we need the security of a strong union
contract to make ends meet and to make sure we have health insurance for our
families," said Nelida Rincon, a 20-year employee and first shift shop steward
for Local 3. "We work hard to make Aramark successful. We deserve more than
delays."

The largely Latino and Chinese immigrant workforce at the Hayward, San Jose
and Oakland facilities are pushing for better wages, benefits and safer
working conditions. Workers' contract expired July 31, but the company has
been escrowing union dues and denying workers' union representation since
April.

The company used interference by UNITE HERE, a union that represents mostly
hotel and food service workers, as an excuse to delay bargaining with Workers
United. In an attempt to steal members from Local 3, UNITE HERE's
International President John Wilhelm has sent several letters to Aramark
management demanding that they cease negotiations with Workers United and send
dues money to his union. UNITE HERE staff have repeatedly visited Local 3
members at their homes and at their jobs. Local UNITE HERE officials have
even agreed to backroom deals with the company to undermine workers' living
wage complaint with the City and County of San Francisco.

FULL story at link.