NLRB Certifies SEIU Local 509 As Representative of Lawrence Human Services Workers, Likely Ending Year-Long Anti-Union Campaign

The National Labor Relations Board has rejected a bid by Lawrence-employer CLASS, Inc to overturn the will of workers who voted last Spring for representation by SEIU Local 509. Attorneys Patrick Bryant and Katherine Shea represent Local 509 in all aspects of litigation involving CLASS, Inc.

On May 29, 2013, a majority of workers who participated in the election beat back CLASS' aggressive, hostile and costly campaign against Local 509. A majority of low-wage, human services workers voted to improve their working conditions by banding together. The Employer, CLASS, Inc., has refused to accept the will of employees. The NLRB General Counsel has alleged CLASS CEO Robert Harris threatened Local 509 representatives immediately after the vote result was announced.

CLASS filed several objections to the election result - all of which were rejected by the NLRB's Boston office after a hearing or were withdrawn by CLASS.

Refusing to accept the Boston office's determination that Local 509 should be certified as the bargaining representative of employees, CLASS appealed to the NLRB. Yesterday, the Board rejected CLASS' appeal in a brief decision. CLASS' only option is to defy the Board's decision and refuse to negotiate with Local 509, leading to another NLRB charge and forcing the parties to litigate the issue in federal court. It is hoped that CLASS, after spending significant amounts of money better focused on serving individuals with disabilities and the workers who support them, will finally accept the vote of employees.

The NLRB's General Counsel already has charged CLASS with more than two dozen violations of the National Labor Relations Act, including implementing unlawful policies, making illegal threats, and terminating union supporters. The NLRB's certification yesterday of Local 209 as the representative is expected to lead to the issuance of a further dozen or so unfair labor practice charges against CLASS.