Second vote on union likely at RathGibson
JANESVILLE--Four months after a close election to form a union at RathGibson in Janesville, all indications are pointing toward a second election.
RathGibson is a worldwide maker of stainless steel, nickel and titanium tubing. In Janesville, the company has about 180 employees, some of whom serve other RathGibson operations.
In April, about 96 percent of eligible RathGibson production workers in Janesville voted in favor of representation by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139. The vote was 60-59 after three ballots were held out.
After the election, Local 139 argued to the National Labor Relations Board that the three ballots were cast by supervisors or clerical staff who were not eligible to vote.
The union argued that if the three ballots—presumably votes in opposition to the union—were kept out, the final tally would stand at 60-59 and the union would win the election. If the NLRB allowed the three ballots, the final vote would likely be 62-60 in opposition to union representation.
In a ruling earlier this week, the NLRB said the union did not provide enough evidence the three ballots in question should be discounted.
But the NLRB also ruled RathGibson engaged in objectionable conduct in one-on-one conversations with employees, including threats of reprisal and plant closure if the employees supported the union.
Therefore, the NLRB hearing officer recommended the April election be set aside and a new election scheduled.
For a full story, read Thursday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.
Aug 7, 2009 at 10 a.m.
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It seems to me that this issue with the union came up at the same time Rath announced it had to stop the funding of college tuition for the employees children. I am not sure what other benefits were also lost, but I do remember that one. Is that what started the union backing?
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All I can say is I wouldn't be rocking the boat in today's economy...they very well could just up and outsource all the jobs and our local employees would end up with NOTHING. As localboy has stated if you don't like it, go work somewhere else, no one is forcing you to stay. Now had the issue of a union was brought up due to safety issues, that would be a different story, but no one is guaranteed anything other than your paycheck and safe work environment...benefits are a plus. And if you haven't noticed many people are losing them across the country in both corporate and government jobs...it is not just you at Rath. Many are also gratefull that all they are losing is some benefits and maybe a short furlough...but are glad to still have a job.
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Again no matter what the outcome I wish all the employees the best of luck.
Aug 7, 2009 at 7:29 a.m.
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packolies - if they "truely" have taken away all of their benefits, then why don't they quit and go work for some other company that will treat them well? It is not your right to have a good paying job with good benefits. The market dictates that. And right now, a job with wages, is really nice....
Aug 6, 2009 at 7:52 p.m.
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I know a few people who work there and let's see they have pretty much taken all the benefits of working there other than the wages.. So what have they got to loose..
Live Better.... Work Union....
Aug 6, 2009 at 6:21 p.m.
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Why can't the union except a loss and get on with their lives? No one else gets a do-over.
Aug 6, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.
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Personally I would worry more about having a job at all, and forget about the union altogether. I was always told don't be penny wise and pound foolish...asking for too much in today's economy is just going to shove you out the door and into the unemployment line.
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At least for right now you have a stable job, going to a union you might just cut your own throat and have your job outsourced. I don't know of anyone working at Rath, but I sure hope you seriously think about the consequences of going union. Good Luck to all regardless of the re vote outcome.
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:36 p.m.
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Maybe they should worry about the bankruptcy before the employees get ahead of themselves.They wont need representation if the doors are closed.
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:51 a.m.
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I am not sure what representation they would need. Rath was one of the best non union places to work in town. When the economy dives, and revenue drops, what is a company supposed to do? I am not sure what a union is going to help with...
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:20 a.m.
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I think it is saying that 96% of the eligible employees voted and the vote was 60-59 in favor of representation.
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:18 a.m.
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Well if anything this will give Rath Gibson a little more time to look into outsourcing production overseas where they can avoid having to deal with the Union bs.........
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:09 a.m.
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Is it just too early for my brain? How does a 60-59 vote equate into 96% of employees voting in favor of representation?
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:04 a.m.
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Unions are great - Just ask the Chrysler retirees
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