Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich on the National Labor Relations Board Region 8 Decision on Cargill Whiskey Island Salt Mine Lock-Out
Washington,
Dec 2, 2002 -
On Friday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 8 handed down a decision in the Cargill Salt Mine dispute. The NLRB Region 8 decision failed to find that Cargill employed illegal surveillance techniques, engaged in regressive bargaining, and refused to honor the union's seniority list.
Today, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement:
"I am saddened and disappointed by the Region 8 NLRB decision in the Cargill-Cleveland Salt Mine case. The salt miners had exercised their right to strike under our nation's labor laws. The company engaged in illegal surveillance against the miners, engaged in regressive bargaining, and refused to honor the employee seniority system after the workers unconditionally agreed to go back to work.
"These are all unfair labor practices as recognized under U.S. labor law. Region 8 chose to ignore this. I believe that Region 8 misinterpreted the law and I am confident that Region 8's decision will be overturned either by the National Board or by the courts. I am planning to meet with Cargill officials to find a way to resolve this matter."