Thanks, Federal Government

THE NLRB HAS SPOKEN!!!

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a decision that states that the Pennsylvania Joint Board is the collective bargaining agent of the workers in Local 57.

In the ruling, they also stated that not only is the PAJB the collective bargaining agent, but they have been since the Unite and HERE merger.

"About November 29, 2005, Local 57 affiliated with the Pennsylvania Joint Board ("PAJB"), which had been part of the prior UNITE organizational structure. Section 1 of the affiliation agreement states that the PAJB's constitution shall prevail over Local 57s bylaws in the event of a conflict" -NLRB

Some other fun quotes from the memo:

"Local 57 president Edward Nassan and vice president Darrel Brown became full time paid employees of the PAJB. In early 2006, Nassan's duties were extended beyond Local 57, and he was involved in a reorganization between the PAJB and the Mid-Atlantic Joint Board. After the affiliation, all of the representational functions formerly performed by Local 57 officers and staff were now performed by Joint Board officials and staff..."

"After the affiliation, grievances were handled by the shop steward or the PAJB business agent. Local 57 officers played no role in handling grievances in their capacity as Local 57 officers..."

"On June 30, 2009, the Employer (Omni Hotel) met with PAJB officials Williamson and Melman, who requested recognition and access based on continuity of representation, and also requested that the Employer consider a letter of indemnification regarding dues. The Employer attempted to arrange a similar meeting with Local 57 President Furlong and UNITE HERE organizer Mackenzie Smith, who had arrived from Boston after the disaffiliation. However, Furlong never responded, and Smith insisted that the Employer meet with a five-member committee rather than two representatives..."

It goes on and on (20 pages to be exact), but the message is clear: The PAJB is and has been the employees bargaining agent for years.

Need more proof?

The next time you look at your contract for your unit, look at the signature page. You won't see Danny Furlong. You won't see Edward Nassan.


You'll either see Sam Williamson, or David Melman, both representatives of the PAJB.


So...fellow workers, can we finally end this dispute? Its time to lay down our arms and work together to bring the fight where it really needs to be: against the boss.

NOT AGAINST EACHOTHER!!!