USW: Novelis Ruling a Victory for Workers, Oswego Community

Federal Judge Finds Company Blatantly Violated Labor Laws

Contact: Jim Ridgeway: 315-468-1623, jridgeway@usw.org

OSWEGO, N.Y. (February 3) – The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement from District 4 Director John Shinn in response to a federal administrative law judge’s ruling that Novelis interfered in a union election for workers at the company’s Oswego aluminum plant in February 2014. Judge Michael A. Rosas ruled on Jan. 30 that Novelis committed labor law violations severe enough to “erode the majority support” for the union, causing the USW to narrowly lose the election. Rosas has ordered Novelis to bargain with the union.

“This ruling is a victory not just for the workers of Novelis, but for the entire Oswego community. No worker should face threats, intimidation and manipulation in response to a good-faith effort to gain a voice in their workplace.

“It is worth noting that this was far from a ‘typical’ labor law case. Judges only issue this kind of order when a company has engaged in violations so severe that a fair election can’t possibly be held.

“It’s unfortunate that it has taken a federal judge to tell Novelis to do what the company should have done from the beginning: to allow workers to make their own choices free from interference and to bargain with them in good faith on a fair contract.

“We look forward to putting this behind us and working with the company on an agreement that ensures a bright future for Novelis, its work force, and the entire region. We know that working together is the best way to achieve a better workplace and a better community for all of us.”

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies. USW District 4 includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Puerto Rico.

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