NLRB Charges Chelsea Employer With Unlawful Threats and Promises During UFCW Local 1445 Campaign

Attorney Patrick Bryant worked with the National Labor Relations Board's Boston office to investigate allegations of statements made by Chelsea's Signature Breads during an organizing drive by UFCW Local 1445. It is unlawful for an employer to threaten to reduce employee wages and benefits if they support a union, or to promise to increase pay and benefits if they oppose a union. An investigation by the General Counsel of the NLRB has determined that Signature Breads, including its owner Tony Rodriguez, repeatedly made unlawful statements - including threats of closing the plant - in response to union organizing.

Today, the General Counsel issued a complaint against Signature Breads. The General Counsel charges Signature Breads with multiple unlawful acts, including threatening closure of the plant, bankruptcy of Signature Breads and reduced work opportunities if employees voted for Local 1445. Signature Breads also is alleged to promise work and positions to employees who reject Local 1445.

The General Counsel has scheduled a hearing on its allegations for mid-May. To remedy these unlawful acts, the General Counsel is seeking an order that Rodriquez read an admission that he violated the law to his employees.