Labor Union Cries Foul Over Suspension of CUNA Mutual Employee
OPEIU claims its chief steward is under investigation for his union activity, which CUNA Mutual denies.
The labor union that represents more than 450 employees at CUNA Mutual Group (CMG) claimed the insurance and investment firm is retaliating against Chief Steward Joe Evica, who was placed on paid suspension pending an investigation into alleged disclosure of company information.
CMG confirmed it is currently investigating an employee for a potential breach of the company’s work rules and code of conduct.
The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39 alleged the Madison, Wis.-based CMG suspended Evica, a retirement services specialist, on Wednesday in retaliation for his union activity, his role as a leader on the bargaining committee and his effectiveness at organizing a collective response to what the union described as management’s bad faith bargaining tactics.
“We’ve had an 80-year relationship with this union built on a respect for our employees and their rights. OPEIU’s characterization of CUNA Mutual Group’s investigation into the employee’s conduct is false,” CMG said in an email response to CU Times. “While we are disappointed in OPEIU’s public comments, we remain committed to swiftly reaching a fair and competitive agreement that benefits all our employees.”
In January, the union warned CMG’s clients there could be a “potential disruption of financial services” because of a labor contract dispute that has been simmering for months. Both sides began bargaining talks last February before the union’s contract expired on March 31.
In February, OPEIU filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming that CMG was unlawfully obstructing the bargaining process and refusing to meet with the Union. Additionally, the union charged that CMG was allegedly violating the NLRB’s “joint employer” standard through its employment of hundreds of contractors performing work identical to the union’s.
“Contract renegotiations between the union and the employer have stalled due to the employer’s refusal to bargain in good faith,” OPEIU said in a statement. “Joe, as well as many other workplace leaders, have been meeting with union members and engaging in protected collective action to win a fair contract. The timing of this disciplinary action against Joe is suspicious, to say the least.”
CMG, however, countered that it expects all employees to abide by the company’s code of conduct and that it has the obligation to investigate this matter.
“As this matter involves a CUNA Mutual employee and the investigation is ongoing, we have no more information to share at this time,” the organization said.
According to the union, management has unilaterally decided to investigate Evica’s work laptop with forensic specialists, and that the charges against him have been extremely vague and contradict the necessary role he plays as a steward and member of the union bargaining team.
“Joe’s laptop contains dozens of communications with union members and that information needs to remain protected,” OPEIU said. “The union has asked HR to retain an independent monitor to keep possession of the laptop and be present during their investigation to ensure that this opportunity is not used by the company to snoop on protected union activity.”