In brief: Machinists seek union vote at Boeing’s South Carolina plant
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Machinists union on Monday asked for an election so about 2,400 Boeing production workers in South Carolina can decide whether they want union representation.
The aeronautics giant immediately responded that a union is not in the best interests of the company, the workers or the state.
Union spokesman Frank Larkin said the Machinists have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board and that under agency rules, 30 percent of the workers in a potential bargaining unit must sign cards that they want a vote.
“We are confident we have achieved the minimum requirement, and now the board will determine the exact number of people eligible to vote, and then they will set and conduct the election,” he said.
Four years ago, shortly before the company opened the $750 million facility, the NLRB filed a complaint against Boeing alleging the nonunion plant was built in retaliation against Washington state workers who went on strike.
The NLRB dropped the complaint later, after Boeing agreed that the 737 Max would be built in Washington.
McDonald’s workers file hazard complaints
NEW YORK – McDonald’s workers in 19 cities have filed complaints over burns from popping grease, a lack of protective equipment and other workplace hazards, according to labor organizers.
The complaints are the latest move in an ongoing campaign to win pay of $15 an hour and unionization for fast-food workers by publicly pressuring McDonald’s to come to the bargaining table. The push is being spearheaded by the Service Employees International Union and began more than two years ago.
The hazards were detailed in complaints announced Monday and filed with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in recent weeks. Workers cite a persistent lack of gloves for handling hot equipment and say they’ve been burned while cleaning grills that have to be kept on. One worker said he was told by a manager to, “put mayonnaise on it, you’ll be good.”
In a statement, McDonald’s Corp. said the company and its independent franchisees are committed to providing safe working conditions for employees, and will review the allegations. “It is important to note that these complaints are part of a larger strategy orchestrated by activists targeting our brand and designed to generate media coverage,” Heidi Barker Sa Shekhem, a McDonald’s spokeswoman, said in the statement.
U.S. factory output falls for third month
WASHINGTON – Output at U.S. factories fell for a third straight month in February, driven by a big drop in production at auto plants.
The Federal Reserve said Monday that manufacturing output fell 0.2 percent in February, following a decline of 0.3 percent in January. Overall industrial production edged up a slight 0.1 percent in February, as unusually cold weather in many parts of the country led to a surge at utilities.
The weakness at factories is attributed in part to a stronger dollar, which makes U.S. exports more expensive on overseas markets, and supply disruptions from the labor dispute at West Coast ports.
Analysts, however, aren’t too concerned. They say rising consumer spending likely will offset the recent lackluster showing in manufacturing. Solid job gains and lower gasoline prices should give households more to spend on other items.