Why do our jobs suck? Because when workers try to form unions to improve their workplaces, unscrupulous companies harass and intimidate their employees. And even if corporations get caught breaking the law, they get off with a slap on the wrist – and break the law all over again. It happened to Randall:
Our Casino got in trouble for Violating the National Labor Relations ACT!…All they had to do was post a letter that said they were sorry and that they would not do it again – they already did.
Unfortunately, telling a company to post an “I’m sorry” note is about all the National Labor Relations Board can do. Labor laws are so weak that the NLRB can’t issue fines or damages against a company for violating its workers’ rights to form unions-even though such penalties exist for all other major employment laws. The “punishments” for violating the labor law hardly pass the laugh test, as Randall points out:
If I were to do something like that do you think I would have kept my job? Would they let me post a letter saying I was sorry and I wouldn’t do it again? don’t think so, I would be fired!
Not surprisingly, workers have a hard time winning their union when their employer gets away with intimidation:
There’s NO WAY we could ever win an election under these conditions. Going to work now is like going to a “Psychological Minefield” !! Workers are so stressed, some have had strokes, others are having Anxiety and panic attacks.
I have lived the very reason we need EFCA!
Randall’s right: Congress has to pass meaningful labor law reform to hold lawbreaking companies accountable and make the economy work for everyone.
Read more: The Inadequate Costs of Labor Law Violations
Tags: Employee Free Choice Act, jobs that suck, labor law reform, NLRB, Undercover Boss, unionbusting, your stories
Fortunately, through work by unionists over generations and a strong campaign against laws introduced by the former conservative government, Australian workers have much better protection, it seems, than those from the USA – for which we are thankful! Bruce
Randall,
Which casino did you work for. I worked for Hollywood Casino that took over Argosy Casino and started laying of mass numbers of people to make their book look good for corporate and I was one of the casualties in the mess. They violated a lot of laws and did messy work in the firing process because you would never see the dept head of the section you worked in. Human Resouces would call you up on the phone and try to fire you that way.
I felt that was illegal so I came in and received documentation to make sure every thing was done right and legally. Still dont like the way they made lots of dead bodies with the old employees that worked there, but they will make more, and more!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Jedding
Lawrenceburg, Indiana
I know this workplace! It is the Wynn casino in fabulous Las Vegas! This place sets new lows on how to treat its workforce. Management lies, steals and sets up its employees to be fired and tries to deny virtually every unemployment claim. There is so much more that is even worse but I don’t have time to explain. Slowly but surely the truth is being learned and a reputation is growing.
I was recently terminated by the Borgata Hotel and Spa Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. the Boyd Gaming Corp. they are fighting each and every way to not pay me my unemployment and I think it is a shame and disgrace that there is no one out there representing casino employees. those who don’t have unions are screwed like this . I have worked for over 30 yrs in this industry never collected unemployment in my life only to have my money withheld because they fired me how can they get away with this nonsense how can the Boyd Gaming Corp. get away with this mess. Who is paying his bills , sending his children to college . I think if you fire someone it is punishment enough than to hold their employment that they paid into because you have the power is wrong and one day corporations like these will answer to a higher power soon. But if I was some welfare on and off again worker I would get my money right away I just don’t get this government system and how they allow corporations like these to dump on their employees. it is a shame…..
For the most part he’s right!
Pass the bill….what is more American than the ability to bargain collectively; people have died to make this a reality….do the right thing, please…….