Labor & Employment Law

NFL Players File Complaint Against Owners?and More Bargaining News

By Belinda Boyce

The NFL Players Association charged team owners with collusion to restrict thelr rights, and more news from the “Bargaining Digest Weekly.” The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 1,300 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work

NEGOTIATIONS NFLPA, NFL: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) confirmed it has filed a complaint with a special master, alleging NFL team owners colluded to restrict the rights of players. Meanwhile, NFLPA members are visiting Capitol Hill this week to discuss with lawmakers the potential lockout by team owners and the devastating economic impact it would have on communities. The NFL is able to negotiate lucrative television deals because Congress granted it an antitrust exemption.

AFT-NEA, Minneapolis School District: After 18 months of negotiations, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (AFT-NEA) reached a two-year tentative agreement with the school district. While the deal provides no raises, it maintains step increases and health care coverage at no additional cost to teachers.

NNU-CNA, Kaiser Permanente: The California Nurses Association (NNU-CNA) has reached a tentative three-year agreement covering 17,000 nurses at Kaiser Permanente facilities across northern and central California. CNA said the deal includes “more than 20 professional and economic enhancements” while also maintaining patient care standards, made possible thanks to California’s nurse staffing law.

AGMA, New York City Ballet: The Musical Artists (AGMA), which represents dancers with the New York City Ballet, has filed an unfair labor practice against the dance company. AGMA alleges that the City Ballet’s announced plan to embark on a tour with less than the full ensemble, and without obtaining the union’s permission, constitutes a violation of good-faith bargaining.

USW, Titan Tire Corp.: After workers at Titan Tire plants in Bryan, Ohio, and Freeport, Ill., rejected a contract proposal last month, the company declared an impasse and imposed the terms of the rejected deal. In Illinois, United Steelworkers (USW) District 7 says it expects Titan will return to the table.

WORK STOPPAGES Detroit Symphony Orchestra: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra submitted a new proposal to a federal mediator late last week, raising hopes that the long-running dispute with members of the Detroit Federation of Musicians (AFM) could be nearing the end. Orchestra musicians have been on strike since Oct. 4, and the two sides have not met since November.

USW, Honeywell International: United Steelworkers (USW) Local 7-669  released a safety report that highlights risks posed by replacement workers at the Honeywell International uranium plant in Metropolis, Ill. Honeywell locked out 230 skilled union workers June 28 after they rejected a contract that would have gutted pay and benefits. Illinois State Rep. Brandon Phelps called the current operation of the plant irresponsible and joined Local 7-669 in its call for a safe shutdown of the facility until a fair contract is reached.

SETTLEMENTS SAG & AFTRA, Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers: Members of the Screen Actors (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.  This agreement comes months ahead of the current contract’s June expiration date.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for your information only.  As it is compiled from published news reports, not from individual unions, we cannot vouch for either its completeness or accuracy; readers who desire further information should directly contact the union involved.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on January 19, 2011 (boomark / email).