On Day Three of TruStage Strike, Union Files Two New Unfair Labor Practices Complaints
TruStage denies that it coerced workers to cross the picket line to return to work and other allegations.
On Tuesday, CUNA Mutual Group formally launched its new brand, TruStage, amid the noise and chanting of its union workers, who have been walking the picket line outside the company’s office building in Madison, Wis.
On day three of the strike, the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), which represents more than 450 employees, said it filed two additional Unfair Labor Practices complaints with the Federal Labor Relations Board, which TruStage said are false.
The union claimed that TruStage used coercion and direct dealing in order to solicit workers to cross the strike line and return to work, barred access to 401(k) plans for striking workers and surveilled – via photographing and videotaping – picketing strikers. The union said these claims allegedly violate federal law that protects workers’ rights.
“Charges by the Union alleging CUNA Mutual Group has violated the rights of represented employees are absolutely false,” TruStage said in a prepared statement. “At all times we have bargained in good faith with the Union, and we respect the rights of our employees to strike and to voice their opinions.”
The union began its strike after both sides could not agree to a new labor contract on Friday.
Although both sides remain at odds over wages, retirement, health care, remote work and job security, they are expected to resume negotiations this week.