NLRB election at Capital Returns puts urgency in community support

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.milwaukeelabor.org/in_the_news/article.cfm?n_id=0036

Workers describe Capital Returns' anti-union tactics on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/workerjust

Capital Returns, whose uncaring treatment of workers was the subject of a Labor Press expose in December, is now facing a formal unionizing effort brought by workers concerned about conditions, safety and pay.

It will be overseen by the National Labor Relations Board and is producing a strong campaign on behalf of the workers by United Steelworkers, which is providing international support and a roving pool of organizers led by veteran Larry Goodman.

An election has been scheduled by the NLRB March 6 for the two shifts of workers at the plant, 6101 N. 64th St. Behind the scenes there is a battle to define just who is in this workforce (the numbers keep changing).

Such confusion has added to the USW’s concerns about explaining the purpose and federal rules of an NLRB election in comfortable meetings. That would counter some of the strange rumors that managers have encircled the plant with.

What outsiders can do at this point is assure the workers they are not alone and that hundreds of union members care and will help push for their safety and improvement.

“That’s what they need,” said USW organizer Goodman on the eve of a Feb. 20 rally at the plant gates, held at 3 p.m. when the shifts change. More actions are being planned. Goodman wants hundreds if not thousands of union sympathizers to show up. He knows this could be a tough election.

FULL story at link.