NLRB Files For Injunction Against Daycon

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

After determining that Upper Marlboro cleaning supplies company Daycon has committed a “series of unfair labor practices” against striking workers, the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) General Counsel has “taken the rare step of filing a petition before a U.S. District Court seeking injunctive relief,” reports Teamsters Local 639. If the NLRB’s petition is granted by the District Court of Maryland, Daycon must reinstate the workers, rescind the “unlawfully imposed conditions of employment,” and begin bargaining with the union in good faith. “Our members have suffered terribly during this period and it is shameful that Daycon continues to stonewall its legal obligations,” said Local 639 Business Agent Doug Webber. The workers have been on strike since April 2010 when Daycon unilaterally declared an impasse in negotiations and changed the terms and conditions of employment. Local 639 says that although the union has offered to return to work and resume bargaining, Daycon has refused to rescind its unilaterally imposed conditions and reinstate the striking members. “I don’t understand how Daycon can continue to act this way,” said Teamsters Local 639 President Thomas Ratliff. “It was clear from the proceedings of the previous hearing that the company had no basis for its unlawful actions.” A hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2011. - photo by Chris Garlock