CUNA Mutual and Union Settle Unfair Labor Practice Dispute

MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Mutual and the Office of Professional Employees International Union Local 39 have agreed to a settlement stemming from charges the union brought forth against the company to the National Labor Relations Board. CUNA Mutual did not admit to having violated the National Labor Relations Act. The union says by settling, CUNA Mutual is in essence conceding that it violated at least some labor laws, though CUNA Mutual admits no wrongdoing. As part of the settlement, CUNA Mutual will post a notice to employees to notify and assure them that it will respect their rights under the Act. It will also restore bargaining unit work involving six positions that had been removed from the bargaining unit or reallocated to other bargaining unit employees. Eligible employees will be made whole for the time that some of the lost work time. “Rather than litigate this issue further, we have decided to put this dispute behind us. We are committed to the good faith resolution of issues that separate us and OPEIU,” said CUNA Mutual spokesperson Sydney Lindner. “CUNA Mutual is committed to the bargaining process although difficult issues separate the parties.” In related news, leaders from CUNA Mutual and its union were scheduled to go back to the bargaining table this week. The parties have agreed to negotiating sessions on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. These will be the first talks since CUNA Mutual hired its new CEO, Jeff Post, though Post is not expected to attend the sessions. CUNA Mutual and OPEIU Local 39 have been unable to reach much common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement. The previous agreement expired on March 31 of last year.