But overseas, it acts like Mr. Hyde in its treatment of workers. Such is the nature of international business.
Companies act according to the social mores and norms of the culture they are doing business in.
For unionized Imerys workers overseas, the company's tolerance of its American managers' fight to keep the union out of its Sylacauga, Ala., plant is both puzzling and unsettling. Last year, both companies merged to form Imerys. Inc. On the effective date of the merger, Imerys withdrew its recognition of PACE and terminated the labor agreement that PACE had with Imetal. In response, PACE began organizing workers at the combined plants, and asked the company to remain neutral during the organizing drive. In February, the NLRB determined there was merit in some of PACE's charges.