By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
Smithfield Packing was issued an official complaint Monday by the National Labor Relations Board, two weeks after the conclusion of an extensive investigation.
About two months of conducting interviews and examining documents have determined that charges of unfair labor practices appear to have merit, NLRB Regional Director Wayne Gold said.
“It is our expectation that the judge will consider the future of the affected workers and rule accordingly,” Gough wrote.
The charges were initially filed this past spring by Food Processors Local 1046, the union representing about 1,300 workers at the company’s closing South facility.
The NLRB issued the complaint Monday because post-investigation negotiations between the two parties failed to conclude after two weeks, Gold said.
It alleges that Packing violated the Labor Relations Act by recognizing the National Brotherhood of Teamsters for the bulk of the employees currently represented by the Food Processors, and by failing to negotiate in good faith.
A trial date has been set for Dec. 7. Unless an agreement is reached by then, the case will enter the litigation phase.
Read the entire story in the September 2 issue of the Smithfield Times. Papers can be purchased at newstands, or subscribe by calling 357-3288 or online at www.smithfieldtimes.com
