Dollar General “clearly intended to interfere” with workers' rights to pacify union sentiments at a store in Connecticut, ruled the National Labor Relations Board on Monday, in violation of federal labor law.
According to the NLRB, violations from Dollar General store operator Dolgen Corporation include wrongfully firing a pro-union employee, a promise to grant benefits to employees who do not vote for union representation, and a veiled threat to close the Barkhamsted, Connecticut location. Employees were also required to attend a meeting that encouraged them to vote against the union.
“The unfair labor practices herein involve individuals at the highest levels of Dolgen management,” shared Arthur J. Amchan, administrative law judge for the NLRB, in the filing. “They also constitute blatant hallmark unfair labor practices.”
Dollar General told SFA News Daily its plans to appeal the ruling.
"In 2021, our Barkhamsted employees voted against union representation and in favor of working directly with the company," said a spokesperson for Dollar General in an email. "At no time during this election did Dollar General violate the National Labor Relations Act. We believe the [administrative law judge’s] decision misapplies the law and ignores, and in some instances incorrectly states, the facts of this case, and we intend to appeal."
The court gave the order for the retailer to cease and desist all actions that discourage employees from engaging in union activity and infringe on their legal rights. Additionally, Dollar General must remediate their wrongdoings by reinstating and compensating a wrongfully terminated employee.
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