Opinion ID: 1482877
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Employees' Representation Plan.

Text: This issue involves the interference by the company with the formation and the administration of this bargaining agency for the employees and also financial and other contributions thereto by the company. We have read the evidence upon this matter and it seems to boil down to the following: The Independent Union of All Workers was a labor organization, apparently, very ready to resort to violence to attain its ends. In the town of Albert Lea it had attempted to organize various industries. There was pronounced violence (in connection with other industries) by this union resulting in destruction of property, attacks upon peace officers and rather serious rioting, requiring a large deputizing of peace officers to restore order. A vigorous campaign had been made by the union to unionize the employees of Wilson and Company plant. Since 1921 there had been a form of bargaining established in the plant through a joint committee composed of representatives of the workers and of the management. This plan seems not to have been entirely satisfactory to the employees. However, whether some were satisfied therewith or whether many were very much dissatisfied with the general conduct of the above union in the town and were moved by fear that the packing company would close down and they would lose their jobs, there seems to be little doubt that there was a pronounced diversity among the employees as to joining or not joining the Union. There was well nigh constant discussion and dispute between the men upon this matter, sometimes resulting in fights. Also, there was one or, possibly, two minor disturbances in the plant, though none of a large or continued nature. Into this troubled situation came the Employees' Representation Plan, which seems to have become effective in April, 1935. While the testimony for the company is that numbers of the men came to the manager with a request to work out some plan which would restore harmony and that it was in pursuance of that request that the management and the men together worked out this plan, yet there is substantial testimony that the plan was drawn up and presented by the company. The Board is thus supported in its finding that the formation of this bargaining agency was promoted by the company. Also, it appears that there were no dues, that such expenses as were necessary for ballots at employee elections and for other necessary matters in connection with the organization were borne by the company. Also, that the company financed picnics, which this organization initiated and for which it claimed credit. Under all the circumstances here, we think these contributions may properly be treated as within the inhibition of the statute and as having the effect of promoting this organization against any other which the employees might want to form or join. We think the Board is sustained by substantial evidence in its findings of unfair practices under the Act in these particulars and in its decision that this is not a proper bargaining agency within the Act.