Heads and Threads Company, a Division of MSL Industries, Inc.

National Labor Relations Board - Board Decisions

May 10, 1982

261 N.L.R.B. 800 (N.L.R.B. 1982)

DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
Heads and Threads Company, a Division of MSL In-
dustries, Inc. and Local 210, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Ware-
housemen and Helpers of America. Cases 29-
CA-8396 and 29-CA-8442
May 10, 1982
DECISION AND ORDER
BY MEMBERS JENKINS, ZIMMERMAN, AND
HUNTER
On November 30, 1981, Administrative Law
Judge Steven Davis issued the attached Decision in
this proceeding. Thereafter, the General Counsel
filed exceptions and Respondent filed exceptions
and a supporting brief.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(b) of the
National Labor Relations Act, as amended, the Na-
tional Labor Relations Board has delegated its au-
thority in this proceeding to a three-member panel.
The Board has considered the record and the at-
tached Decision in light of the exceptions and brief
and has decided to affirm the rulings, findings,'
and conclusions of the Administrative Law Judge,
as modified herein, and to adopt his recommended
Order, as modified herein. 2
I Respondent has excepted to certain credibility findings made bhy the
Administrative Law Judge. It is the Board's established polic nrot to
overrule an administrative laws judge's resolutions with respect to credi-
bility unless the clear preponderance of all of the relevant evidelce con-
vinces us that the resolutions are incorrect. Standard Dry Wall Products. ,
Inc., 91 NL.RB 544 (1950), enfd 188 F2d 362 (3d Cir 1951). We have
carefully examined the record and find no basis for reversing his findings
In its exceptions, Respondent conteinds, inter alia, that the Administra-
tive Law Judge was biased and prejudiced against Respondent, and disre
garded or rejected critical facts, resulting in an unbalanced view of the
case. In support of these allegations, Respondent argues that the Adminis-
trative L aw' Judge's former service with the Board as counsel to the
General Counsel has in some way interfered with his ability to evaluate
evidence impartially and render fair decisions. We find no merit in these
contentions. The record contains no statements or ther evidence indicat-
ing bias or prejudice against Respondent on the Administrative Iawss
Judge's part, and, accordingly, there is no basis for finding same.
In the absence of exceptions we adopt, pro forma, the Administrative
Law Judge's finding that striking employee Julius King engaged in strike
misconduct of such serious character as to render him unfit for future
service with Respondent. Accordingly, we also adopt. proufirma, the Ad
ministrative Law Judge's finding that Respondent did not violate the Act
by refusing to reinstate King.
The Administrative Law Judge found that Supervisor Richardson's
statement to employee Ravenell, "Hey man, you're trying to get a uniln
in here," violated Sec. 8(a)(1) of the Act because the statement created
the impression in its employees' minds that Respondent had a source of
information about the employees' union activity We agree w ith Re-
spondent that the statement does not constitute the creation of the im-
pression of surveillance. However, when coupled with Richardson's fur-
ther statement, in the same conversation, "you know what happened
when you all tried to get a union in here before, what happened to them
guys," it is clear that Richardson's total statement was nothing less than a
threat to discharge. Accordingly, we find that Richardson's remarks were
a not-so-veiled threat of discharge and that this statement constituted a
violation of Sec. 8(a)X) of the Act
Z In his exceptions, the General Counsel, citing John Cuneo, Inc,, 253
NLRB 1025 (1981), contends that the Administrative Law Judge erred in
failing to include in his recommended Order language in conformance
with his findings and conclusions providing in substance that Respondent
261 NLRB No. 115
In its exceptions, Respondent contends that the
Administrative Law Judge's imposition of a Gissel
bargaining order' is unwarranted because, inter
alia, the record contains no evidence that it had
knowledge of its employees' union activity, and no
statements were made by its supervisor which
would suggest the propriety of a bargaining order
or a finding of a violation of the Act. We find
these contentions to be completely meritless.
In adopting the Administrative Law Judge's
finding that a bargaining order is necessary, we
conclude that Respondent's unfair labor practices
were indeed sufficiently serious and pervasive in
character as to preclude the holding of a fair elec-
tion. When analyzing unfair labor practices in con-
nection with determining the appropriateness of a
Gissel bargaining order, we look to the seriousness
and scope of the unlawful conduct in the context
of the circumstances in the shop when the conduct
occurred. In this case, immediately after gaining
direct knowledge of its employees' union activity
on September 10, 1980, 4 by way of the Union's
demand for recognition and bargaining, Respond-
ent began its program of unlawful activity, includ-
ing the unlawful discharge of employee William
Gross on September 11; the September 12 threat to
kill Gross and the unlawful offer of a promotion to
employee Willie Ravenell conditioned on Raven-
ell's abandoning his support for the Union; the un-
lawful changes in the working conditions of Ra-
venell and Horace Ross and the threats to dis-
charge Ravenell, Lamar Johnson, and Ross on Sep-
tember 15; and the September 15 threat of loss of
benefits made to Ravenell by Gregory Svida, Re-
spondent's supervisor. On September 16, during the
unfair labor practice strike, Respondent's vice
president, Alvin Zee, made an unlawful threat of
reprisal against Ravenell by stating the "union idea
is going to get you in a lot of trouble because they
don't mean you no good." In addition, soon after
the start of the strike, Respondent threatened to
permanently replace unfair labor practice strikers
and unlawfully refused to reinstate seven strikers
following the unconditional offer to return to work
made by the Union on November 10 on behalf of
all the strikers.
shall (a) cease and desist from failing to recall and reinstate unfair labor
practice strikers, and (b) immediately rescind its newly adopted work as-
signments anid work rules We find merit in the General Counsel's excep-
tions and, in accordance with established Board precedent, we have
modified the Administrative I aw Judge's recommended Order
Member Jenkins would provide interest on the backpay award in ac-
cordance with his partial dissent in Olympic Medical Corporation, 250
NL RB 146 ('180)
:' N L. R. v (;imle/ Packing (o., Inc., 395 US. 575 (1969)
4 All dates herein refer to the year 1980.
800
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
Employee Gross' discharge for union activity
following on the heels of the Union's demand for
recognition and bargaining was a clear message to
the unit employees that they would suffer as a
result of their union activity. The seriousness of
such unlawful action is heightened when the unit,
as in the present case, consists of a small number of
employees, thereby permitting word of the unlaw-
ful discharge to circulate quickly. Even though
Gross was reinstated later during the day of his
discharge, the impact of the rapid discharge on all
the unit employees remains long after such a rein-
statement. Moreover, Respondent's upper manage-
ment was directly involved in Respondent's unfair
labor practices, thereby enhancing the effects of
the threats to discharge, changes in working condi-
tions, and threats of reprisals for engaging in union
activity.
Therefore, in addition to the reasons set forth by
the Administrative Law Judge, we note that the
particular circumstances of this case preclude the
holding of a fair election and call for the imposi-
tion of a Gissel bargaining order.
We agree with the Administrative Law Judge's
inclusion of a "broad" order as part of his recom-
mended remedy herein, and note that the nature
and extent of Respondent's violations fully support
the imposition of such an order. In Hickmott Foods,
Inc., 242 NLRB 1357 (1979), we stated, inter alia,
that a broad order would be warranted when it is
shown that a respondent "has engaged in such
egregious or widespread misconduct as to demon-
strate a general disregard for the employees' funda-
mental statutory rights." The unfair labor practices
committed by Respondent are of the type the
Board contemplated when it set forth the standards
for determining when to impose broad injunctive
relief. Respondent's conduct was not isolated or a
minor transgression, but represented a pattern of
egregious conduct affecting all unit employees and
designed to thwart the employees' desire for union
representation.
AMENDED CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
We hereby affirm the Administrative Law
Judge's Conclusions of Law, as modified below:
Substitute the following for Conclusion of Law
7:
"7. By telling an employee that the 'union idea is
going to get you in a lot of trouble'; threatening to
discharge employees because of their union activi-
ties; threatening bodily injury against an employee
because of his union activity; threatening an em-
ployee with loss of economic benefits if he did not
abandon his membership in and activity on behalf
of the Union; threatening unfair labor practice
strikers with being permanently replaced; and
promising promotions and transfers to employees
to induce them to refrain from becoming or re-
maining members of the Union and to induce them
to abandon their membership in and activity on its
behalf, Respondent has violated Section 8(a)(l) of
the Act."
ORDER
Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the National Labor
Relations Act, as amended, the National Labor Re-
lations Board adopts as its Order the recommended
Order of the Administrative Law Judge, as modi-
fied below, and hereby orders that the Respondent,
Heads and Threads Company, a Division of MSL
Industries, Inc., Woodside, New York, its officers,
agents, successors, and assigns, shall take the action
set forth in the said recommended Order, as so
modified:
1. Substitute the following for paragraph l(c):
"(c) Failing to recall and reinstate unfair labor
practice strikers following an unconditional offer to
return to work to their same or substantially equiv-
alent positions, discharging if necessary any per-
sons hired permanently to replace them."
2. Insert the following as paragraph 2(b) and re-
letter the remaining paragraphs accordingly:
"(b) Immediately rescind its newly adopted work
assignments and work rules reducing the coffee-
break time, and requiring employees to pull orders,
to begin work immediately upon punching in, and
to notify their supervisors when they intend to use
the bathroom."
3. Substitute the following for paragraph 2(e):
"(e) Post at its place of business in Woodside,
New York, copies of the attached notice marked
'Appendix.'8 0 Copies of said notice, on forms pro-
vided by the Regional Director for Region 29,
after being duly signed by Respondent's representa-
tive, shall be posted by Respondent immediately
upon receipt thereof, and be maintained by it for 60
consecutive days thereafter, in conspicuous places,
including all places where notices to employees are
customarily posted. Reasonable steps shall be taken
by Respondent to ensure that said notices are not
altered, defaced, or covered by any other materi-
al."
4. Substitute the attached notice for that of the
Administrative Law Judge.
801
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
APPENDIX
NOTICE To EMPLOYEES
POSTED BY ORDER OF THE
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
An Agency of the United States Government
After a hearing at which all parties were represent-
ed and afforded the opportunity to present evi-
dence in support of their respective positions, it has
been found that we have violated the National
Labor Relations Act, as amended, in certain re-
spects, and we have been ordered to post this
notice and to carry out its terms.
WE WILL NOT discharge our employees be-
cause of their union activities.
WE WILL NOT impose changes in work as-
signments or work rules because of the union
activities of our employees by reducing the
coffeebreak time or by requiring our employ-
ees to pull orders, to begin work immediately
upon punching in, or to notify their supervi-
sors when they intend to use the bathroom.
WE WILL NOT imply in statements to our
employees that other employees had been fired
for engaging in union activities.
WE WILL NOT tell employees that the
"union idea is going to get you in a lot of
trouble."
WE WILL NOT threaten to discharge our em-
ployees because of their union activities.
WE WILL NOT threaten bodily injury against
our employees because of their union activity.
WE WILL NOT threaten our employees with
loss of economic benefits if they did not aban-
don their membership in and activity on behalf
of the Union.
WE WILL NOT threaten unfair labor practice
strikers with being permanently replaced.
WE WILL NOT promise promotions and
transfers to our employees to induce them to
refrain from becoming or remaining members
of the Union or to induce them to abandon
their membership in the Union and activity on
its behalf.
WE WILL NOT fail or refuse to reinstate
unfair labor practice strikers following an un-
conditional offer to return to work to their
same or substantially equivalent positions, dis-
charging if necessary any persons/hired to
permanently replace them.
WE WILL NOT refuse to recognize and bar-
gain with the Union concerning the terms and
conditions of employment of the employees in
the following appropriate bargaining unit:
All warehouse employees and drivers em-
ployed by us at our Woodside, New York,
warehouse, exclusive of all other employees,
guards, and all supervisors as defined in Sec-
tion 2(11) of the Act.
WE WILL NOT in any other manner interfere
with, restrain, or coerce our employees in the
exercise of their right to self-organization, to
form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bar-
gain collectively through representatives of
their own choosing, and to engage in other
concerted activities for the purpose of collec-
tive bargaining or other mutual aid or protec-
tion, or to refrain from any or all such activi-
ties.
WE WILL offer all those employees who
participated in the strike which began on Sep-
tember 15, 1980, except Julius King and those
who have already been reinstated, immediate
and full reinstatement to their former positions
of employment or, if those positions are no
longer available, to substantially equivalent po-
sitions, without prejudice to their seniority or
any other rights or privileges previously en-
joyed, dismissing, if necessary, any persons
hired as replacements on or after September
15, 1980; and WE WILL. make whole all unfair
labor practice strikers, except Julius King, for
any loss of earnings they may have suffered by
reason of our refusal to reinstate them, plus in-
terest.
WE WILL immediately rescind our newly
adopted work assignments and work rules re-
ducing coffeebreak time and requiring employ-
ees to pull orders, to begin work immediately
upon punching in, and to notify their supervi-
sors when they intend to use the bathroom.
WE WILL recognize and, upon request, bar-
gain collectively with Local 210, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Ware-
housemen and Helpers of America, as the ex-
clusive collective-bargaining representative of
the employees in the appropriate unit with re-
spect to wages, rates of pay, hours of employ-
ment, and other terms and conditions of em-
ployment and, if an understanding is reached,
embody such understanding in a signed writ-
ten agreement.
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY, A
DIVISION OF MSL INDUSTRIES, INC.
802
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
FINDINGS OF FACT
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
STEVEN DAVIS, Administrative Law Judge: This case
was heard before me' at Brooklyn, New York, on
August 17 and 19, 1981.
On October 21, 1980,2 Local 210, International Broth-
erhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and
Helpers of America, herein called the Union, filed a
charge in Case 29-CA-8396, on which basis a complaint
was issued on November 21, alleging violations of Sec-
tion 8(a)(1) and (3) of the National Labor Relations Act,
as amended. Specifically, the complaint alleges that
Heads and Threads Company, a Division of MSL Indus-
tries, Inc., herein called Respondent, violated Section
8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act by subjecting its employees to
closer supervision and more onerous conditions of work
than they previously had received and by discharging
William Gross because of his union activities. 3 Further,
the complaint alleges that Respondent violated Section
8(a)(l) of the Act by interrogating its employees con-
cerning their union membership, activities, and sympa-
thies; keeping under surveillance and creating the impres-
sion of surveillance of the concerted activities of its em-
ployees; threatening its employees with discharge, bodily
injury, and denial of promotions and other unspecified
reprisals if they became or remained members of the
Union; and offering and promising its employees wage
increases, promotions to better positions of employment,
and transfers to its other locations in order to induce
them to refrain from becoming or remaining members of
the Union and to refrain from giving any assistance or
support to it, and to induce them to abandon their mem-
bership in the Union and activity on its behalf.
On November 10, the Union filed a charge in Case 29-
CA-8442, on which basis a complaint was issued on De-
cember 31 alleging violations of Section 8(a)(l), (3), and
(5) of the Act. Specifically, that complaint alleges that
Respondent violated Section 8(a)(1), (3), and (5) of the
Act by threatening its employees with discharge if they
continued to engage in a strike; discharging Joseph
Russo; refusing to reinstate seven named employees upon
their unconditional offers to return to work because they
participated in a strike and because of their union activi-
ties; and refusing to bargain with the Union.
On January 28, 1981, an order consolidating cases was
issued.
A brief was filed by Respondent, and has been duly
considered. Based upon the entire record, the brief, and
my observation of the demeanor of the witnesses, I make
the following:
I The hearing opened before Administrative Law Judge Benjamin
Schlesinger. Before any witness testified I was substituted as Administra-
tive Law Judge. Such substitution was agreed to by all parties.
2 All dates are in 1980 unless otherwise stated.
3 The complaint also alleges that Gross was reinstated to his former
position of employment on the same day that he was discharged.
I. JURISDICTION
Respondent, a Delaware corporation having its princi-
pal place of business in Northbrook, Illinois, and a ware-
house and place of business at 24-25 Brooklyn-Queens
Expressway West in Woodside, Queens, New York,
herein called the warehouse, is engaged in the business of
the importation and wholesale distribution of metal fas-
teners and related products. It annually purchases and re-
ceives goods valued in excess of $50,000 directly from
suppliers located outside New York State. Respondent
admits, and I find, that it is an employer engaged in com-
merce within the meaning of Section 2(2), (6), and (7) of
the Act, and that the Union is a labor organization
within the meaning of Section 2(5) of the Act.
II. A I.IEGED UNFAIR L ABOR PRACTICES
A. Facts4
1. Background
Employee Willie Ravenell testified that, in or about
June or July, s employees Frank Friday and Joe6 asked
him why he never attempted to obtain union representa-
tion. Ravenell replied that attempts were made in the
past 7 but that "all the guys were fired." Ravenell stated
that Friday and Joe were also discharged in or about
June 1980,8 and that, shortly thereafter, Supervisor9
Roosevelt Richardson told him: "You see what happens
with Union guys, they try and start trouble with the
union now."
Employee Lamar Johnson testified that in or about
May he began to speak with his fellow employees about
union representation. Although the employees expressed
no interest at that time, apparently within a month cer-
tain employees became interested in such representation.
Accordingly, in June, Johnson was given authorization
cards by Union Representative Al Bedell. Johnson dis-
tributed the cards to employees in Respondent's parking
lot at lunchtime and the cards were returned to Johnson
in Respondent's locker room. Johnson kept the cards in
4 1 credit the testimony of employee witnesses Gross, Johnson. Raven-
ell, and Russo Their testimony was consistent and mutually corrobora-
tive as to events involving all of them. As to incidents involving them
individually, they testified without contradiction, Respondent not having
called Supervisor Richardson or Vice President Zee. Although Richard-
son was discharged before the heanring, Respondent states in its brief that
his testimony was available to it. The failure of Respondent to call Rich-
ardson and Zee permits me to draw an inference that their testimony
would have been adverse to Respondent had they testified. Le Roy Fan-
tasies. Inc.. and Hardwickes Plum, Inc., a Joint Venture, d/b/a Maxwell's
Plum, 256 NLRB 211 (1981).
s June appears to be the correct month inasmuch as the events which
occurred later, specifically employee Lamar Johnson's activities on behalf
of the Union, clearly took place in late June
s Ravenell could provide no last name for Joe.
7 Ravenell had been employed by Respondent at various times in the
past 10 years.
8 There is no allegation in the complaints that those alleged discharges
were unlawful No evidence was presented as to their alleged discharges
nor even whether they were actually employed by Respondent.
O Respondent's answer admits that Richardson is was supervisor within
the meaning of Sec 2(l1 ) of the Act.
DECISION
803
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
his locker. ° Seven authorization cards were received in
evidence, dated June 25 and 26, signed by Johnson, Wil-
liam Ross, Horace Ross, William Gross, Lawrence
Creighton, Curtis Exum, and Julius King. I I
Ravenell testified that in or about late August he was
working at his machine when Richardson approached
him and said: "Hey man, you're trying to get a union in
here. You know what happened when you all tried to
get a union in here before, what happened to them
guys." Ravenell replied with an obscenity and continued
working. Richardson did not testify.
2. The union meeting of September 9 and the
alleged surveillance
On September 9, a meeting was arranged at the union
office for certain employees of Respondent. Ravenell tes-
tified that, during that day, employee Johnson reminded
employees of their meeting that evening so that those
working on the early shift would wait for the others
who worked a later shift. The employees left the prem-
ises together at 6 p.m. Ravenell stated that Richardson
asked them, "Whatcha all guys up to?" Ravenell replied
by cursing at Richardson. Ravenell and employee Wil-
liam Gross testified that two cars were driven to the
union office at that time, and that Richardson followed
the cars despite the fact that he (Richardson) usually
traveled home in the opposite direction. Gross added
that Richardson followed behind them in a car for one-
quarter mile and then turned off. The employees' cars
traveled for another 40 minutes to the union office with-
out being followed.
The following employees were present at the union
office that night: Lawrence Creighton, Philip Curran,
Curtis Exum, William Gross, Julius King, Lamar John-
son, Willie Ravenell, and Horace Ross. At the meeting,
the employees spoke about harassment at work and
about the poor benefits offered by Respondent. The main
reason for the employees seeking representation was be-
cause of harassment by Supervisor Richardson. All eight
employees signed application cards for membership in
the Union at that time.
3. The demand for recognition
The following day, September 10, Union Representa-
tives James Martinez and Julius Zaretsky visited Re-
spondent's premises. Zaretsky spoke to Gregory Svida,
Respondent's supervisor. 2 Zaretsky advised Svida that
the Union represented a majority of Respondent's em-
ployees and that they wanted to negotiate a contract.
Svida said that he had no authority to speak with them
and had to contact his superiors. It was agreed that
Svida would call the Union by Monday morning, Sep-
'0 There was a slight inconsistency in Johnson's testimony which I do
not regard as material or in any way affecting his testimony which I
credit. Johnson testified initially that he did not see anyone fill out his
card and later testified that he saw three to four employees sign their
cards. Ravenell testified that he saw all the employees sign their cards.
'' The General Counsel does not allege that these cards should be
used to support his request for a bargaining order.
It Respondent's answer admits that Svida is a supervisor within the
meaning of Sec. 2(1 1) of the Act.
tember 14. It should be noted that Respondent's answer
admits that the Union demanded recognition.
4. The discharge of William Gross and the strike of
September 11
Gross was hired on January 4, 1979, as an order puller
and transfer puller. He was one of the employees who
signed an authorization card given to him by Johnson in
late June in Respondent's parking lot; he also signed a
card at the union meeting on September 9.
Gross testified that on September II he was working
as usual pulling bills prior to 8 a.m. Supervisor Richard-
son approached him and asked how much work he had
done. Gross showed him the skids on the floor apparent-
ly upon which were the materials pulled. Richardson
stated that Gross did not do enough work, adding that
he could have worked faster. Gross protested, saying
that half of the material was not in its appropriate place,
thereby making it more time consuming to pull the
orders. Richardson then called Gross a liar, adding that
Gross could have pulled more orders. Gross then said:
"Kiss my ass." Richardson replied that he would punch
Gross' timecard, which he then did. Richardson then
pointed his finger at Gross, telling him that he (Gross)
was "not going to get the union and it's not going to
work," and that he should not have brought the Union
there in the first place. Richardson told Gross that he
was fired and Gross then left. Other employees were
outside the shop taking their breaks at that time. Gross
told them what had occurred and suggested that they
follow the Union's advice, previously given, that if one
employee was discharged all employees should strike.
The employees stayed outside for about 2 hours. Em-
ployees called the Union, and apparently there were con-
versations between union representativesi3 and Respond-
ent's supervisors, which resulted in the reinstatement of
Gross and all employees returning to work without loss
of pay. 14
Ravenell testified that that day he was working as a
stockman putting up stock. Richardson approached him
and "insisted" that if Ravenell wanted to retain his job
he must pull orders as well as put up stock. Richardson
stated: "The union can't help you now because you ain't
in the union. I'll fire you right now and send you home."
In the past, Richardson had never commented on Raven-
ell's work.
5. The events of September 12
Gross testified that the following day, September 12,
Richardson walked around the shop holding a crowbar,
saying that he would "hurt someone," and asking him
questions about his work. Employee Johnson testified
that Richardson said: "Damn Bill, if I get my hands on
him I'm going to kill him," while at the same time
13 Gross testified that, although Svida told the employees that they
could return to work, he refused until the Union approved their return to
work.
'4 Gross also testified that, while he was outside the shop with the
other employees, Supervisor Svida told him that he was not discharged,
but rather was merely told to punch out.
804
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
smacking a crowbar in his (Richardson's) hands. Johnson
did not hear Richardson say why he was angry at Gross.
Union official Martinez visited Respondent's premises
that day and met with 10 or II employees who were
outside the shop taking their coffeebreak. His purpose in
meeting with the men was to advise them not to antago-
nize Respondent and to try and stay calm. They com-
plained about Richardson and mentioned that they
would strike. Martinez spoke to Supervisor Richardson,
telling him that the employees had a right to join the
Union, and that he should let "management" deal with
the Union and not take it upon himself to do so.
Employee Ravenell testified that he left work early
that day but returned later, at or about 6:30 p.m., to pick
up some of his friends, and waited in Respondent's park-
ing lot with a "bottle," which apparently contained
liquor. Richardson approached Ravenell and at first re-
fused to drink with "you union guys" because he (Rich-
ardson) was a "company man." They both laughed about
this statement but then they began drinking together.
Richardson told Ravenell that he "shouldn't be with the
Union" because he intended to promote him to assistant
foreman, adding, "You can't vote for the union ....
You'd be a company man." Richardson added that he
would give Ravenell the shop's burglar alarm key on
Monday, September 15, so that he (Ravenell) could lock
the premises each day. Ravenell also testified that about
a month before, in August, Richardson complained about
his 12-hour workday and he told Ravenell that he
wanted him to become his assistant, and mentioned that
he would receive a 25-cent raise. Ravenell stated that he
knew the offer of the raise was a lie and in any event he
was not promoted at that time because of the hire of
Bob.' 5 Ravenell never received the key to the ware-
house.
6. The events of September 15 and the strike
Employee Ravenell testified that he punched in 15
minutes early, at 7:45 a.m. Richardson told him that he
must start work whenever he punches in, even if it is
before his regular starting time. Ravenell refused, saying
that inasmuch as he was not paid from 7:45 a.m. he
would not begin work until 8 a.m. Richardson then told
Ravenell that he could return home if he so wanted.
Richardson had never previously told him of this re-
quirement for starting work when punching in.
At the first coffeebreak, Richardson told Ravenell that
he could only take a 5-minute coffeebreak, whereas the
coffeebreak had always been 10 minutes.
Employee Lamar Johnson testified that as he was un-
loading a truck he was asked by Richardson why he was
working so slow. Johnson explained that he was backing
up the hilo. Richardson replied that if he did not "speed
it up" he would be discharged. Johnson never had been
so warned in the past by Richardson. Johnson also re-
ported that he heard Richardson tell employee Horace
Ross on or about that day that he spent too much time in
the bathroom, instructing him that he must advise Rich-
ardson when he wished to use the bathroom and, if he
did not, he could punch his card and go home. Johnson
A1 Ravenell did not provide the last name of Bob
stated that he had never previously heard Richardson
complain about employees staying in the bathroom too
long.
Union official Zaretsky testified that Respondent's su-
pervisor, Svida, had agreed on September 10 to call the
Union by September 15 with a response to the Union's
demand for bargaining. When Zaretsky had not heard
from Svida he called him and asked if he had heard from
Respondent's parent company. Svida told Zaretsky that
the Union could go to the Board.
That afternoon, Zaretsky visited Respondent's prem-
ises with union official Martinez. They' met with the em-
ployees and told them that Respondent would not recog-
nize the Union. Martinez told them that the next step
would be to go to the Board, a process taking about 6 to
10 weeks. Certain employees stated that they were being
harassed and replied that they would not take the "B.S."
any more and would "walk out." Martinez explained that
he was told by employees that the foreman carried a
pipe and a gun and threatened to hit and shoot them.
Zaretsky told them that the decision to strike was up to
them. The employees replied that they were being har-
assed and wanted to strike. Ravenell stated that just prior
to the strike he was called into Supervisor Svida's office.
Svida told him: "You got a whole lot to lose messing
around with the Union cause you've got a lot of time in,
your seniority, your profit sharing, plus your hospitaliza-
tion." Ravenell replied that he did not care what he had
to lose because of the harassment of Richardson and that
he would strike because of such harassment.
Ravenell stated that at or about the time that day that
the employees became aware that Respondent would not
recognize the Union, Richardson "hassled" and harassed
the employees by saying: "See there, I told you." The
employees then decided to leave in order to "just go and
see if we can do a little better than this." Ravenell's
reason for striking was Richardson's harassment, his
pushing employees to do unnecessary work, and his
threats.
All the unit employees except driver W. Ferrell went
out on strike.
7. The events subsequent to September 15
Ravenell testified that he went to Respondent's office
on or about September 16 to inquire about his profit-
sharing money and vacation pay and spoke to Alvin Zee,
Respondent's vice president.' 6 Zee told Ravenell that
the "union idea is going to get you in a lot of trouble
because they don't mean you no good and nobody else."
Zee also told Ravenell that he would be placed on a
preferential hiring list. Zee further said that he was open-
ing a new warehouse in Florida and he wanted Ravenell
to "set up the warehouse and leave the Union." Ravenell
said that he needed a job and wanted to return to work,
and would do so if he received a signed statement that
he would never be discharged. Ravenell gave Zee his
home telephone number and thereafter Zee phoned him
twice. The first call was to advise that the date for de-
parture to Florida was not yet known. The second call
'" Respondent's anrlser admits Zce's status a, vice president.
805
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
was to advise that arrangements were nearly complete
and that Ravenell should have his airline ticket shortly.
There is no evidence as to whether a warehouse was
opened in Florida or whether Ravenell traveled there to
set it up. Zee did not testify.
The strike and picketing continued until about Novem-
ber 9. On that day a meeting was held at the union
office. Present were several of the striking employees.
Union officials told the employees that the picketing
must stop because an injunction had been obtained
against it. 17
8. The unconditional offer to return to work
On November 10, the Union's secretary treasurer,
Joseph Konowe, sent a telegram to Respondent, which
stated:
On behalf of each and every striking employee,
we hereby make an unconditional offer on their
behalf to return to work immediately.
Please contact the undersigned or the individuals
directly to arrange for their return to work immedi-
ately.
Respondent contends that the Union's offer that em-
ployees return to work was invalid and ineffective be-
cause (1) the employees were not members of the Union,
(2) the Union was not authorized or asked by the em-
ployees to offer their return to work, and (3) the tele-
gram did not identify the employees.
I reject these arguments. The employees signed cards
for the Union through which the employees authorized it
to represent them for purposes of collective bargaining.
Moreover, the Union acted as the employees' representa-
tive and was consulted by them. When on September II
Gross was discharged and the employees stopped work,
apparently there were discussions between the Union,
employees, and Respondent which resulted in the rein-
statement of Gross and the return to work of the em-
ployees. Further, the employees regarded the Union as
their representative. Gross testified that employees dis-
cussed returning to work among themselves and agreed
that the Union could offer their return. The individual
strikers need not be named in the Union's offer."8
9. The discharges
a. Joseph Russo
The complaint alleges that, on or about September 22,
Respondent unlawfully discharged Joseph Russo because
he participated in the strike and because he joined and
17 There is no evidence of any injunction. Rather, on October 10, the
Union filed a petition in Case 29-RC-5179, and Respondent filed a
charge in Case 29-CP-433 which was dismissed by the Regional Direc-
tor on October 24. The dismissal was sustained by the General Counsel
on November 26. An expedited election was ordered which was blocked
by the filing of the instant charges.
18 Matlock Truck Body & Trailer Corp., 248 NLRB 461, 464 (1980); Co-
lonial Haven Nursing Home, Inc., 218 NLRB 1007, 1011 (1975). Gross tes-
tified that on September 11, although Svida told the employees they
could return to work, they refused to return until a union representative
advised them to return. Other employees also testified that the Union was
their representative.
assisted the Union and engaged in other concerted activi-
ties. Respondent denies discharging Russo.
Russo went out on strike with the other employees on
September 15 and struck for about a week. He phoned
Svida on September 21 and told him that he wanted to
return to work for economic reasons, but that he was
fearful of doing so because he did not want the pickets
to see him. Svida offered to have a security guard in a
van pick Russo up at home and drive him to the plant.
Russo agreed. The next day, a van arrived at Russo's
home to pick him up, but Russo did not avail himself of
this offer. Russo decided not to go to work by this
means because he did not want to "sneak back and
forth" to work. Svida called Russo and asked for an ex-
planation. Russo told him that he did not want to return
to work if he had to travel with security guards each
day, adding that he would see what happened with the
strike.' 9 What was said at the end of that conversation is
in dispute. Svida stated that Russo told him on Septem-
ber 22 that he accepted a position elsewhere and that he
would not be returning to work. In support of this posi-
tion, Respondent offers a letter dated October 2 which it
sent to Russo confirming their conversation of Septem-
ber 22, in which Russo allegedly said that he "accepted
employment elsewhere and will not be returning to [Re-
spondent]." (Resp. Exh. 11.) Russo admitted receiving
that letter. However, he testified that he said if he could
find employment elsewhere he would not return to Re-
spondent. Russo added that he never terminated his em-
ployment with Respondent, and did not respond to its
letter of October 2 because he returned to the picket line
and was seen by Svida. Russo added that he did not
obtain other employment until December 1.
Thus, the General Counsel alleges that Respondent
discharged Russo on September 22. Respondent denies
discharging Russo and contends that Russo voluntarily
quit, having found other employment.
I do not credit Svida's testimony that Russo told him
that he had obtained employment elsewhere. The evi-
dence establishes that Russo did not obtain such employ-
ment until December 1. Russo would have no reason to
tell Svida that he had obtained work elsewhere if he, in
fact, had not secured such work. His reasons for not ac-
cepting the offer to ride in the van on or about Septem-
ber 21 was his refusal to sneak into work and his refusal
to return to work if it meant being accompanied by
guards. The reason given to the guards on about Septem-
ber 21 or 22 by Russo's grandmother, although a false
reason, was that Russo was sick. Thus, it was nowhere
stated by Russo that he had accepted employment else-
where. Even assuming that Russo did say on September
22 that he had obtained work elsewhere, Respondent
was not thereby relieved of its obligation to make a valid
offer of reinstatement to Russo upon the later uncondi-
tional offer to return to work made on November 10.20
Russo's failure to take issue with Respondent's self-serv-
ing letter of October 2 is proper in view of the fact that,
as Russo and Svida testified, Russo resumed picketing
'9 The above is based on the testimony of Svida, which I credit as to
these facts, and the testimony of Russo.
10 Standard Materials Inc., 237 NLRB 1136, 1146 (1978).
806
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
after September 22, and Russo was seen by Svida on the
picket line. 21 Russo was thus obviously available to
work. Thus, Russo retained his status as an employee-a
striking employee. He did not quit and he was not dis-
charged. His interests remained aligned with the other
strikers at the time that he refused to return to work by
security guard van and at the time he resumed picketing.
He was still striking and had not yet made an uncondi-
tional offer to return to work. As a striking employee, he
was entitled to a valid offer of reinstatement upon his un-
conditional offer to return to work. Respondent's failure
to reinstate him upon his unconditional offer to return
violated Section 8(a)(3) of the Act.
There is no evidence to support a finding that Russo
was discharged, as alleged by the General Counsel. Re-
spondent's letter of October 2 is a self-serving statement,
which states the erroneous belief that Russo quit. It is
not a letter of discharge or notification to him that he
was discharged. Accordingly, I shall recommend that the
complaint allegation of Russo's discharge be dismissed. I
shall further recommend that he be accorded the rights
of an unfair labor practice striker, which will be dis-
cussed, infra.
b. William Gross
The evidence discussed above is clear that Gross was
discharged because of his union activities. He signed a
card for the Union in June and also on September 9. Re-
spondent obtained knowledge of the advent of the Union
certainly on September 10 when union officials visited
the premises and demanded recognition from Respond-
ent's supervisor, Svida.22 Thus, I day later, on Septem-
ber 11, Supervisor Richardson criticized the amount of
work he had done, and, after a confrontation in which
Gross protested the accusation that he had not worked
hard enough, Richardson called Gross a liar, to which
Gross replied that Richardson could "kiss his ass." Rich-
ardson punched Gross' timecard. Gross' testimony that
Richardson told him at that time he was "not going to
get the Union and it's not going to work" and that he
"should not have brought the Union in in the first place"
are all uncontradicted. Richardson did not testify.
Respondent denies that Gross was discharged. Al-
though Gross conceded that Supervisor Svida later told
him that he had not been discharged and could return to
work, this conversation occurred after an angry confron-
tation between Gross and Richardson regarding Gross'
work performance during which, it is uncontradicted,
Richardson told Gross that he was fired, and also
punched his card. It is thus obvious that Gross was in
fact discharged. The test for determining whether an em-
ployer's statements constitute a discharge depends on
whether they would "reasonably lead the employees to
believe that they had been discharged." 23 The actions of
21 Svida's testimony is somewhat unclear, but he did state that Russo
was "on and off the picket line during a period of 7 weeks," which
would include the period after September 22.
" Respondent's answer admits that the Union demanded recognition.
Svida did not contradict the Union's assertion that the demand occurred
on September 10.
2S Ridgeway Trucking Company, 243 NLRB 1048, 1049 (1979).
Gross in leaving the shop after he had been told that he
was discharged and after his card was punched and in
telling his fellow employees that he had been discharged,
which then caused employees to strike in protest of the
discharge, all clearly demonstrate that Gross reasonably
believed that he had been discharged.
The unlawful nature of Gross' discharge is thus clearly
established in his sudden discharge without warning I
day after the Union's demand for recognition. Moreover,
Richardson's statements to Gross at the time of the dis-
charge that he should not have brought the Union in
clearly show that Richardson believed that Gross was
responsible for the Union's advent. His warning to Gross
that he was not going to get the Union vividly demon-
strates and establishes Respondent's union animus and its
motivation in discharging Gross. Respondent has not
come forward with any evidence as to this issue. Indeed,
it asserts that Gross was not discharged, an argument
which I reject.
From the foregoing, I conclude therefore that the
General Counsel has made a prima facie showing that
Gross' union activity was a motivating factor in Re-
spondent's decision to discharge him.24
Inasmuch as Respondent asserts that Gross was not
discharged, it has come forward with no evidence to jus-
tify the discharge. In fact, its counsel stated at the hear-
ing that it was making no claim that Gross was dis-
charged for poor work or misconduct. Consequently,
Respondent has not met its burden of showing that it
would have taken the same action against Gross in the
absence of his union activities.25 Accordingly, I find that
Respondent discharged Gross in violation of Section
8(a)(l) and (3) of the Act.
10. Conclusions as to the 8(a)(l) and (3) allegations
a. Creation of the impression of surveillance and threat
of discharge
Employee Ravenell gave uncontradicted testimony
that, in or about late August 1980, Supervisor Richard-
son told him: "Hey man, you're trying to get a Union in
here." The Board has recently held that similar state-
ments violate Section 8(a)(1) of the Act because they
imply surveillance of the employees' union activities, and
have a reasonable tendency to discourage the employees
in exercising their statutory rights by creating the im-
pression that Respondent has sources of information
about their union activity.
I therefore find that Richardson's statement violated
Section 8(a)(1) of the Act. 26 I find that this statement
constitutes the creation of the impression of surveillance
and not interrogation, as alleged in the complaint.
In that same conversation, Richardson told Ravenell:
"You know what happened when you all tried to get a
union in here before, what happened to them guys." Ra-
venell also testified that, about 2 months prior to that
2' Wright Line, a Division of Wright Line, Inc., 251 NLRB 1083 (1980).
25 Ibid.
26 Overnite Transportation Company, 254 NLRB 132 (1981) ("I hear
you are involved with the Union"); Plasticoid Company. 168 NLRB 135,
fn. 3 (1967).
807
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
conversation, employees Frank Friday and Joe were dis-
charged, shortly after which Supervisor Richardson told
him: "You see what happens with Union guys, they try
and start trouble with the Union now."
Although no evidence was presented as to the dis-
charges of Friday and Joe, and there was no evidence,
documentary or otherwise, that Friday or Joe were actu-
ally employed by Respondent or discharged by it, I am
constrained to credit Ravenell's testimony regarding his
August conversation with Richardson concerning the
consequences of employee interest in the Union. As
noted above, Ravenell's testimony is uncontradicted, and
Ravenell testified about similar conversations and state-
ments made by Richardson 2 months earlier. Moreover,
Richardson's later conduct, especially with regard to
statements made by him during Gross' discharge, clearly
establishes his union animus and his proclivity to make
statements in violation of employee rights. Richardson's
statement, which implied that Friday and Joe were fired
for union activity, violated Section 8(a)(1) of the Act as
it conveyed to Ravenell not only that they may have
been discharged unlawfully but also that other employ-
ees would suffer a similar fate if they engaged in such
activity. 27
b. Surveillance
The General Counsel alleges that Richardson's con-
duct on September 9 in following employees' cars when
they drove to the union office constituted unlawful sur-
veillance and the impression of surveillance. The evi-
dence reveals only that, when employees left work in a
group, Richardson asked them what they were "up to,"
and that the employees traveled in two cars with Rich-
ardson following them for one-quarter mile, at which
time he ceased following them and the employees then
traveled another 40 minutes to the union office. Al-
though there was testimony that Richardson's route fol-
lowing the cars was opposite to that which he usually
took to go home, there was no evidence that he followed
them any further than one-quarter mile. There was simi-
larly no evidence that he knew that the employees were
traveling to a union meeting.2 8 Richardson's conduct in
following employees' cars one-quarter mile after which
they traveled another 40 minutes to the union office does
not rise to a level which would sustain the General
Counsel's burden of proving surveillance of employees'
union activities or the creation of the impression of sur-
veillance as alleged in the complaint.2 9
c. Closer supervision, more onerous work assignment,
and threat of discharge
The General Counsel alleges that, since on or about
September 1, Respondent subjected the employees to
27 United Plastics, Inc., 255 NLRI 178 (1981). Burns International Secu-
rity Servicesr Inc., 234 NLRB 373 (1978)
28 Richardson's question to the employees asking what they were "up
to" supports a finding that he did not know where they were going.
29 Elk Brand Manufacturing Company, 253 NLRB 1038 (1981), where
an allegation of surveillance was dismissed when an employer official
drove his car in front of a building where a union meeting was being
held.
closer supervision and more onerous conditions of work
than they previously had received.
Employee Willie Ravenell gave uncontradicted testi-
mony that, on September 11, he was working as a stock-
man when Richardson ordered him to pull orders as well
as do stockman's work, saying: "The union can't help
now because you ain't in the union. I'll fire you right
now and send you home." Richardson's statement clearly
violates Section 8(a)(1) of the Act inasmuch as it is a
threat to discharge Ravenell. However, there is no evi-
dence as to whether Ravenell thereafter performed work
involving pulling orders or whether such work, if per-
formed, was less desirable or more onerous than the
stockman's duties. Respondent did not adduce any evi-
dence on this issue. Nevertheless, the command to pull
orders constituted a change in Ravenell's current work
as a stockman.3 0 Richardson made this change 1 day
after the Union's demand for recognition. The change,
accordingly, was in retaliation for the employees' sup-
port of the Union and was applied to a person who was
the target of previous unlawful statements by Richard-
son. Respondent came forward with no business justifica-
tion for the change. I therefore find that the threat to
discharge violated Section 8(a)(1) of the Act. Inasmuch
as there was no evidence as to whether the work of pull-
ing orders was less desirable or more onerous, as alleged
in the complaint, I will recommend dismissal of that alle-
gation of the complaint.
On September 15, Ravenell was again made the target
of another threat of discharge and change in working
conditions by Richardson. Upon arriving at work 15
minutes early he was told that he must start work imme-
diately. Ravenell refused because he would not be paid
for the extra 15 minutes. Richardson told him that he
could return home if he wanted to. Respondent adduced
no evidence on this issue. Apparently Ravenell remained
at work," and did not go home, but there was no evi-
dence as to whether Ravenell began work 15 minutes
early as ordered by Richardson. Nevertheless this was a
change in Ravenell's conditions of employment inasmuch
as previously, although he arrived at work 15 minutes
early, he was not required to begin work until his regu-
lar starting time. Ravenell stated that he had never
before been aware of such a rule requiring an employee
to begin work upon punching in. Respondent adduced
no evidence as to this issue. Richardson's statement to
Ravenell, that if he did not like the new rule he could
return home "if he wanted to," is clearly a threat to dis-
charge him if he did not submit to the change in rule. I
find for the same reasons set forth above that the threat
to discharge violated Section 8(a)(l) of the Act.3 2
Ravenell also testified without contradiction that em-
ployees had always received a 10-minute coffeebreak. On
September 15, Richardson told him that he could only
take a 5-minute break. Again, this was a new change in
7lobgether We Stand Women s Guild Day Care Center, 256 NLRB 393
(1981)
31 He was present later at the first coffeebreak and when the strike
began.
2z I here was no evidence as to whether the rule was in effect thereaf-
ter
808
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
work rules. Respondent adduced no evidence as to this
issue. It is also clear that this change, coming on the
heels of the Union's demand for recognition, was de-
signed to harass the employees for their support of the
Union. Richardson's antiunion animus is clear, not only
in his previous statements to Ravenell and other employ-
ees, including Gross, but his later statements to Ravenell.
On the same date, September 15, Richardson also
threatened to discharge employee Lamar Johnson if he
did not work faster, and also told employee Horace Ross
that he spent too much time in the bathroom and in-
structed that he must advise Richardson each time he in-
tends to use the bathroom, and, if he does not do so, he
could punch his card and go home. Richardson had
never been heard to complain about these matters in the
past. Respondent adduced no evidence on these issues.
As set forth above, these threats and announced
change in rule requiring notification of the supervisor
whenever an employee intended to use the bathroom
were designed to harass employees because of their inter-
est in and support for the Union. All of these incidents
occurred only a few days after the Union's demand for
recognition, and the unlawful discharge of employee
Gross. In addition, they occurred in the context of an an-
tiunion diatribe over the course of several days by Rich-
ardson. Accordingly, I find that the threats of discharge
violated Section 8(a)(l) of the Act.
From the foregoing, I conclude therefore that the
General Counsel has made a prima facie showing that the
union activities of the employees was a motivating factor
in Respondent's unlawful changes in work rules an-
nounced on September II and 15. 33
I find, further, that Respondent has utterly failed to
meet its burden of showing that it would have made
these changes in the absence of the union activities of its
employees. I note in this regard that Richardson did not
testify and Respondent adduced no evidence on these
issues. Accordingly, I find that Respondent violated Sec-
tion 8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act by making new changes in
the work rules for its employees on September 11 and
15, by ordering Ravenell to pull orders and begin work
15 minutes early, by reducing the coffeebreak to 5 min-
utes, and by requiring that Ross notify his supervisor
when he intended to use the bathroom.
d. Threats of bodily injury
Employees Gross and Johnson testified that, on Sep-
tember 12, Richardson walked around the shop holding a
crowbar. Gross said that Richardson threatened to "hurt
someone" and Johnson stated that Richardson said that
he would kill Gross.3 4 Gross also stated that he kept out
of Richardson's way that day. Richardson did not testify.
I find that this threat to kill Gross, made I day after his
unlawful discharge by Richardson, violated Section
8(a)(l) of the Act. 3 5
"a Wright Line, a Division of Wright Line, Inc.. supra.
34 It is probably that Richardson resented the fact that his discharge of
Gross I day before was not only ineffective but caused a strike which
resulted in the reinstatement of Gross.
36 Jax Mold & Machine, Inc., 255 NLRB 942 (1981); McLane Western.
Inc., 251 NLRB 1396, 1403 (1980)
e. Promises of wage increases, promotions. and
transfers
(1) Statements of Richardson
Ravenell testified that, after work on September 12,
Richardson warned him that he should not be with the
Union because he (Richardson) intended to promote him
to assistant foreman, adding, "You can't vote for the
union . . . you'd be a company man." Ravenell testified
that, about a month earlier, Richardson also promised
him an assistant foreman's job with a wage increase of 25
cents.
It is clear that the September 12 offer of an assistant
foreman's position constituted an unlawful promise inas-
much as it was directly related to and conditioned upon
Ravenell's abandoning his support for and interest in the
Union. That promise, therefore, violates Section 8(a)(l)
of the Act. a6
However, I do not find the earlier37 offer of an assist-
ant foreman's position and a 25-cent raise to Ravenell to
be violative of the Act. That offer would have occurred
sometime in August. There was no evidence as to the
circumstances surrounding the making of that offer nor
whether any relationship was expressed by Richardson
between the offer and the Union or Ravenell's interest in
the Union. It is impossible to ascertain the precise date of
the alleged offer, which makes any connection with
other statements made by Richardson impossible. More-
over, Ravenell did not take the offer seriously and
indeed testified that he knew that it was a lie because of
the hire of Bob. Under these circumstances, I do not find
that Respondent's offer in August of an assistant fore-
man's position and a 25-cent raise to be in violation of
the Act.
(2) Statements of Greg Svida
Ravenell testified that shortly before the September 15
strike he was called into Supervisor Svida's office and
was told by him: "You got [a] whole lot to lose messing
around with the Union cause you've got a lot of time in,
your seniority, your profit sharing, plus your hospitaliza-
tion." Ravenell replied that he did not care what he had
to lose because of the harassment of Richardson.
Svida denied speaking to anyone about the Union on
September 15. 1 credit Ravenell's testimony. He im-
pressed me as being a believable witness and he is still
employed by Respondent. Moreover, he testified without
contradiction that the following day he went into Re-
spondent's premises to request his vacation pay and
profit-sharing money. This leads me to believe that
Svida's threats that he had a "lot to lose," including his
profit-sharing money, caused him to request and attempt
to obtain that money immediately. Accordingly, it is
quite clear that Svida made the statements attributed to
him by Ravenell on September 15. Such threats of loss
of economic benefits are violations of Section 8(a)(1) of
the Act."a
as P. A. Incorporated, 248 NLRB 491, 498 (1980); Montgomery Ward d
Co.. Incorporated, 227 NLRB 1170, 1174 (1977).
a7 About a month earlier, according to Ravenell.
aR B-P Custom Building Products. Inc., 251 NL.RB 1337, 1351 (1980).
809
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
(3) Statements of Alvin Zee
Ravenell gave uncontradicted testimony 39 that on
September 16 he went into Respondent's premises to ask
for his vacation pay and profit-sharing money. Respond-
ent Vice President Alvin Zee told him that the "union
idea is going to get you in a lot of trouble because they
don't mean you no good." This statement constituted a
threat of reprisal against Ravenell and violates Section
8(aX1) of the Act.4 0
Zee's statement in the same conversation that he
wanted Ravenell to set up a warehouse in Florida and
"leave the Union" also violated the Act in that it consti-
tuted an unlawful promise of a transfer if Ravenell
would withdraw his support for the Union.
11. The nature of the strike on September 15
The complaint alleges that, on September 15, the em-
ployees went on a strike which was caused, provoked,
and prolonged by Respondent's unfair labor practices.
The complaint further alleges that, on November 10, the
striking employees made unconditional offers to return to
work, and thereafter Respondent refused to reinstate
them. The General Counsel contends that as the employ-
ees were unfair labor practice strikers they cannot be re-
placed. Respondent, on the other hand, argues that the
strike was economic in nature and that offers of rein-
statement were made to the strikers after permanent re-
placements quit or were terminated based upon their se-
niority. Respondent argues that the only reason for the
strike was economic, specifically, for recognition and
that, if there was any harassment of employees, such ha-
rassment preceded the advent of the Union. I do not
agree with these contentions.
The Board has held 4 ' that:
The principle is well established that employees
may be entitled to the special reinstatement rights
provided unfair labor practice strikers even though
the strike activity may have been motivated by con-
cerns which went beyond their employer's commis-
sion of unfair labor practices, so long as it can be
determined from the record as a whole that the
unfair labor practices contributed in part to the em-
ployees' decision to strike.
It is clear that Respondent's unfair labor practices con-
tributed to the employees' desire to take the concerted
action of engaging in a strike. Thus, the following litany
of events occurred shortly before the strike: the sum-
mary unlawful discharge of Gross on September 11; the
unlawful threat to kill Gross and a promise of promotion
and wage increase to Ravenell on September 12; the un-
lawful changes of working conditions of Ravenell and
Horace Ross and threats to discharge Ravenell, Johnson,
and Ross on September 15, all made by Richardson; and
the threat of loss of benefits made to Ravenell by Svida
on September 15.
sg Zee did not testify.
40 Cone Mills Corporation, Revolution Division, 245 NLRB 159, 166
(1979); John H. Creps E. Garson Creps and James J. Creps a portnership.
d/b/a Creps United Publications, 228 NLRB 706, 712 (1977).
4' Colonial Haven Nursing Home. Inc., 218 NLRB 1007, 1009 (1975).
Moreover, the reasons for the strike were related by
the employees. Thus, when Ravenell was told on Sep-
tember 15 by Svida that he had a lot to lose by "messing
around with the Union," he replied that he did not care
what he had to lose, but that he was striking because of
the harassment of Richardson. Ravenell further stated: "I
just got tired of Richards 42 harassing us on the job.
Pushes people to do this and threatening guys." Ravenell
further testified4 3 that he was told by employee Johnson,
who was the Union's contact at the plant, that the Union
said that: "If they didn't recognize the Union about all
this harassment that we was getting . . . that it would be
best for us to go on strike to get something did for all
the harassment that we were getting."
The strike occurred immediately after the union repre-
sentatives were denied recognition when they visited the
shop on September 15. Union Representative Martinez
explained to the employees that the case would be
brought to the Board where it would take 6 to 10 weeks
to resolve. The employees replied: "We ain't going to
take that B.S. no more, we're just going to walk out."
Martinez and Union Representative Zaretsky stated that
the employees explained that they were being harassed
by Richardson. Employee Gross testified that the deci-
sion to strike was based in part on Richardson's harass-
ment.
Thus, a causal relationship existed between Richard-
son's harassment and the conduct of Svida, which I have
found to constitute unfair labor practices, and the ensu-
ing strike.4 4 It is clear that the employees, fresh from a
brief strike to protest the unlawful discharge of Gross
which was successful in securing his immediate reinstate-
ment, sought to repeat their tactic 4 days later to protest
such unfair labor practices and stop the harassment
which continued up to the very moment the strike
began. Such harassment was motivated by the advent of
the Union.
I, therefore, find that the strike which commenced on
September 15 was an unfair labor practice strike in pro-
test of the harassment of employees. 45
12. The alleged refusal to reinstate strikers in
violation of Section 8(a)(3)
a. General conclusions
Having found that the strike was an unfair labor prac-
tice strike, it is clear that the strikers are entitled to rein-
statement upon application unless they committed strike
misconduct. Respondent's failure and refusal to reinstate
such strikers upon their November 10 application, dis-
charging if necessary any strike replacements, are clearly
violative of Section 8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act. I so
find. 4 °
The complaint alleges that Respondent has discrimi-
nated against seven strikers,47 as to whom unconditional
42 Should be Richardson.
43 In answer to a question by Respondent's counsel.
44 Tufts Brothers Incorporated, 235 NLRB 808, 823 (1978).
45 Research Products/Blankenship Company, 258 NLRB 19 (1981).
40 Mastro Plastics Corporation v. N.LR.B., 350 U.S. 270, 278 (1956).
47 Lawrence Creighton, Curtis Exum, William Gross, Lamar Johnson,
Julius King, William Ravenell, and Horace Ross.
810
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
offers to return were made, by failing and refusing to re-
instate them. Respondent contends that one of them,
Julius King, was not reinstated because he engaged in
willful strike misconduct, which rendered him unsuitable
for reemployment. It further states that it offered to rein-
state five employees, 48 and also reinstated Exum.
On September 16, one day after the strike began, Re-
spondent sent a letter to certain employees which stated,
inter alia, that "it is our sincere hope that all employees
will return to work and reestablish normal operations.
The decision to return to work is up to you and you will
not be discharged or disciplined for not returning to
work. However . . . the Company reserves its option to
exercise its legal right to permanently replace you in
order to continue business. I hope you will return to
work."
On September 18, Respondent sent another letter to
certain employees,49 which stated, inter alia, "In our first
letter to you we told you that we very much wanted all
employees to return to work. We still look forward to
your return because a strike is a devestating [sic] experi-
ence for everyone involved.... We urge you to return
to work by noon on Monday, September 22. We will
begin the process of hiring new employees to permanent-
ly fill your job. This will leave you with only the right
of being replaced on a preferential hiring list. Please re-
member you will be replaced and not discharged."
As heretofore found, by telegram of November 10, the
Union notified Respondent of its decision to terminate
the strike, and unconditionally requested reinstatement
for all striking employees.
It is clear that Respondent's letters of September 16
and 18 do not constitute valid offers of reinstatement to
the employees. 5" Respondent does not argue that they
are. s5 Even assuming that the letters were communicat-
ed to the employees, it can hardly be argued that they
were made in good faith. Thus, Ravenell testified that,
on September 16, the date the first letter was sent, he
was told by Vice President Zee that the "union idea is
going to get you in a lot of trouble." It is most signifi-
cant that Zee also told Ravenell then that he would be
placed on a preferential hiring list. Thus, Respondent
had no intention of having the strikers return to work
upon its purported letters of September 16 and 18, but,
48 Creighton, Gross, Johnson, Ravenell, and Horace Ross.
49 It is unclear as to whom the letters were sent to. Ravenell did not
receive the September 16 or 18 letter but certain unnamed employees
told him that they received certain letters. Ravenell does not know
which letters those employees received. Johnson received the September
16 letter but not the letter of September 18. Gross, King, and Russo were
not asked about these letters. Svida testified that he sent the September
16 letter to Russo, but he gave no other testimony as to whom he sent
the letter to.
50 However, I note that two striking employees, W. Ross and L. Stew-
art, returned to work on September 19. It is unknown whether they re-
turned as a result of the September 16 or 18 letters, or even whether
those letters were sent to them.
5' At the hearing and in its brief, Respondent took the position that
the employees were economic strikers and could be permanently re-
placed. Indeed, Svida testified that offers of reinstatement were made
after a permanent replacement had been terminated or quit. The evidence
so indicates. It is significant to note that a permanent replacement, Adkin
Enix, was hired on September 19, 3 days earlier than the time permitted
by Respondent in its September 18 letter for strikers to return to their
jobs. (G.C. Exh. 20.)
rather, as it argued at the hearing and in its brief,
planned to offer reinstatement and sent letters of rein-
statement after strike replacements had been terminated
or quit, in the order of seniority.5 2
The notification to unfair labor practice strikers that
they would be permanently replaced violates Section
8(a)(l) of the Act inasmuch as it constitutes an illegal
threat of permanent replacement.5 3
b. The striking employees; Julius King
King testified that he was picketing for about a month
when a guard who was employed by Respondent ap-
proached him with a guard dog. King told the guard to
keep the dog away from him, but he did not do so. King
threw a bottle at the dog striking Respondent's truck,
breaking a window. The guard and dog then ran at
King. King took a meat cleaver from a car parked
nearby and brandished it at the guard. The guard with-
drew and the police were called, who arrested King for
property damage. Other charges were also filed against
King. 54
As the Board stated in Coronet Casuals, Inc.:55
Sections 7 and 13 of the Act grant employees the
right to strike, picket, and engage in other concert-
ed activities for the purpose of collective bargaining
or other mutual aid or protection. It is true, of
course, that not all forms of conduct literally within
the terms of Sections 7 and 13 remain entitled to
statutory protection. In deference to the rights of
employers and the public, the Board and the courts
have acknowledged that serious acts of misconduct
which occur in the course of a strike may disqualify
a striker from the protection of the Act.
I have carefully balanced the nature of King's conduct
against Respondent's unfair labor practices,5 6 especially
including Supervisor Richardson's threats of violence
against Gross and his brandishing of a pipe or crowbar.
Nevertheless, I find that King's misconduct was so vio-
lent and of such serious character as to render him unfit
for future service with Respondent. Thus, the guard dog
being held by the guard was restrained and was not men-
acing King except by growling at him. King's throwing
the bottle at the guard and dog was thus unprovoked
and was clearly intended to begin a confrontation with
the guard and dog. His breaking of the truck's window
and menacing of the guard with the meat cleaver are
52 Respondent referred to such later letters as offers of reinstatement.
It never referred to the September 16 or 18 letters as offers of reinstate-
ment It is further noted that such letters have no legal significance be-
cause they were made at a time when Respondent had no obligation to
act Thus, no unconditional offer to return had as yet been made on
behalf of the strikers.
ss Inta-Roto. Incorporated, 252 NLRB 764 (1980).
'4 Presumably his conduct involving the meat cleaver. The charges
were dismissed in return for King's resignation from Respondent and his
agreement to waive reinstatement (Resp. Exh. 13). I do not rely upon this
agreement in reaching my conclusions concerning King's strike miscon-
duct or his right to reinstatement based upon such misconduct.
5i 207 NLRB 304 (1973).
as Juniata Packing Company, 182 NLRB 934, 935 (1970); H. N. Thayer
Company, 115 NLRB 1591, 1593, 1606(1956)
811
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
both serious acts of misconduct.5 7 I do not credit King's
statement that he was attempting to defend himself when
he wielded the meat cleaver. There was no showing that
the dog or the guard was attacking him when he went to
the car and obtained the knife, or even when he threw
the bottle.
As discussed above, the strike was provoked by the
harassment of Richardson and Respondent's unfair labor
practices. However, even taking into account the threats
of violence against Gross by Respondent, it is difficult to
believe that that conduct, as to which King did not tes-
tify, was sufficient to provoke him to resort to property
damage and the assault upon the security guard. King's
brandishing of the meat cleaver was openly performed
on the picket line. Word that strikers were armed with
such weapons could have a strong coercive effect upon
nonstrikers. 58 Respondent, therefore, did not violate the
Act by refusing to reinstate King.
c. The status of the other strikers
(1) Lawrence Creighton
Creighton did not testify. He went out on strike on
September 15. A permanent replacement, Elton De-
loatch, was hired for him on September 26, and contin-
ued in Respondent's employ until about August 19, 1981,
when his name no longer appeared on its payroll. Svida
testified that he offered reinstatement to Creighton after
his replacement was terminated or had quit based on se-
niority. According to Svida, Creighton was offered rein-
statement on or about August 19, 1981. 5 9
(2) Curtis Exum
Exum did not testify. He went out on strike on Sep-
tember 15. Svida testified that Exum returned to work
and was reinstated on December 15,60 after the dis-
charge of W. Ross, a striker who was not alleged in the
complaint as being improperly denied reinstatement.
(3) William Gross
Gross went out on strike on September 15. A perma-
nent replacement, Joseph Scarrello, was hired on Octo-
ber 6, 1980.
Gross testified that, after the strike ended, he began
work at another company on January 26, 1981, and was
still employed there at the date of the hearing. On Feb-
ruary 5, 1981, Respondent sent him a letter asking him if
he was "interested in returning to work." 6 ' Gross did
not respond. On June 26, 1981, Respondent sent another
letter to Gross advising him that "there is a job opportu-
nity and opening available for you" on July 6, 1981, or
sooner. It further advised Gross to notify Respondent
57 North Cambria Fuel Company. Inc., 247 NLRB 1408 (1980), enfd.
645 F.2d 177, 182 (3d Cir. 1981); Bromine Division, Drug Research. Inc.,
233 NL.RB 253, 259 (1977); cf. Overhead Door Corp., Advance Industries
Division v. N.L.R.B, 540 F.2d 878, 882 (7th Cir. 1976).
5" Overhead Door Corp.. Advance Industries Division v. NL.R.B. supra.
59 No letter offering reinstatement to Creighton was offered, and there
is no evidence as to when such a letter was sent to him.
60 Payroll records support that claim.
e i Even this did not constitute a valid offer of reinstatement. Montgom-
ery County MH/MR Emergency Service, 239 NLRB 821, 826- 827 (1978).
within 10 days whether he would be "available for
work." Gross contacted Respondent and said that he
would "get back to" it regarding its offer, but never
called back.
(4) Lamar Johnson
Johnson went out on strike on September 15. A per-
manent replacement, Ethaniel Moore, was hired for him
on October 1, and continued in Respondent's employ
until about November 19, which was the last time he ap-
peared on its payroll. Svida testified that he offered rein-
statement to Johnson, after his replacement quit or was
terminated based on seniority. Therefore, according to
Svida, Johnson was offered reinstatement on or about
November 19.62
(5) Willie Ravenell
Ravenell went out on strike on September 15. A per-
manent replacement, Horace Miles, was hired for him on
October 8. Ravenell was reinstated on July 13, 1981.63
(6) Horace Ross
Ross did not testify. He went out on strike on Septem-
ber 15. A permanent replacement, Peter Weber, was
hired for him on October 6, and continued in Respond-
ent's employ until about August 12, 1981, when his name
no longer appeared on its payroll. Svida testified that he
offered reinstatement to Ross after his replacement had
quit or was terminated based on seniority. Therefore, ac-
cording to Svida, Ross was offered reinstatement on or
about August 12, 1981.64
(7) Joseph Russo
Russo went out on strike on September 15. As dis-
cussed above, Respondent was under the mistaken belief
that Russo quit as of September 27. Rather, as found and
concluded above, Russo did not quit and remained an
unfair labor practice striker. Accordingly, inasmuch as
Respondent has not offered to reinstate him upon the un-
conditional offer to return made by the Union, it has vio-
lated Section 8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act.
d. Conclusions as to the status of these strikers
An unconditional offer to return to work was made by
the Union on November 10 in behalf of strikers
Creighton, Exum, Gross, Johnson, Ravenell, Horace,
Ross, and Russo. Inasmuch as I have already found and
concluded that the strike which commenced on Septem-
ber 15 was an unfair labor practice strike, it is well estab-
lished that, upon an unconditional offer to return to
work, unfair labor practice strikers are entitled to imme-
diate reinstatement to their former jobs or, if such jobs
62 No letter offering reinstatement to Johnson was offered, and there is
no evidence as to when such a letter was sent to him.
63 Miles' name last appears on Respondent's payroll on April 1, 1981
There was no explanation as to why Ravenell, who has long tenure and
great seniority, was not reinstated upon Miles' apparent departure from
work in April 1981.
64 No letter offering reinstatement to Ross was offered, and there is no
evidence as to when such a letter was sent to him.
812
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
no longer exist, to substantially equivalent positions.
6 5
Further, the burden is upon the employer to offer imme-
diate and unconditional reinstatement, even if striker re-
placements must be terminated to make room for the re-
turning strikers. 6 6
In the instant case, at the time the striking employees
unconditionally requested reinstatement, Respondent was
of the view that the strike had been an economic strike
and that the returning strikers were economic strikers.
6 7
Accordingly, Respondent informed certain strikers that it
would put them on preferential hiring lists. Respondent
did not terminate any of the employees that had been
hired to replace the strikers in order to make room for
the returning strikers. Respondent, however, had an obli-
gation to offer immediate and full reinstatement to its re-
turning unfair labor practice strikers and its failure to ter-
minate strike replacements in order to make room for
those strikers violated Section 8(a)(3) of the Act.
6 8
13. Respondent's refusal to recognize and bargain
with the Union
The General Counsel alleges and the Respondent
admits that the appropriate bargaining unit consists of:
All warehouse employees and drivers, employed by
Respondent at the Woodside, New York ware-
house, exclusive of all other employees, guards and
all supervisors as defined in Section 2(11) of the
Act.
The parties stipulated that on September 10, the date
of the demand for recognition, Respondent employed 12
persons in the appropriate bargaining unit.
6 9
The General Counsel alleges that, on September 9, a
majority of the employees of Respondent, in the appro-
priate unit previously described, designated and selected
the Union as its representative for the purposes of collec-
tive bargaining. The record establishes that, on that date,
eight employees signed cards for the Union.
7 0 The cards
were properly authenticated either by the signer or by
the solicitor.7T It is, therefore, clear that the Union did,
6V NL.R.B. v. Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co., 304 U.S. 333 (1938)
86 Laredo Coca Cola Bottling Company, 241 NLRB 167 (1979).
67 At the time of the strike, at the hearing, and in its brief to me, Re-
spondent has argued that the strike was an economic one and that it was
under no obligation to offer immediate reinstatement to its employees
who had unconditionally offered to return to work
68 Atlas Metal Parts Co., Inc., 252 NLRH 205 (1980): Coca-Cola Bot-
fling Company of Miami, Inc., 237 NLRB 936 (1978). See also N.L.R.B. v.
Top Manufacturing Company, Inc., 594 F 2d 223 (9th Cir. 1979). Respond-
ent unlawfully delayed offering reinstatement to: (I) Creighton and
Horace Ross until August 1981, (2) Gross until July 1981, (3) Johnson
until November 1980, and unlawfully delayed reinstating Exum until De-
cember 1980 and Ravenell until July 1981. In addition, Respondent un-
lawfully failed and refused to reinstate Russo. Gulf-Wandes Corporation.
233 NLRB 772, 779 (1977).
69 Creighton, Curran, Exum, Ferrell, Gross, Johnson, King, Ravenell.
Horace Ross, W. Ross, Russo, and Stewart.
70 Creighton, Curran, Exum, Gross, Johnson, King, H. Ross, and Ra-
venell.
71 Union Representative Martinez testified that he told the eight em-
ployees that a purpose of the cards was for representation and recogni-
tion. He saw them all sign cards at that time. Ravenell, who cannot read,
testified that the union representative explained the purpose of the card
to him, and said that the Union would file for an election. Ravenell did
not testify, however, that that was the sole purpose of the card Gross
as alleged, represent a majority of Respondent's employ-
ees for the purposes of collective bargaining, in the
above-described appropriate unit and I so find.
On September 10 the Union demanded recognition and
was refused.
Respondent undertook immediately a campaign con-
sisting of the above-described conduct violative of Sec-
tion 8(a)(l) and (3) of the Act. The Board has held that
where an employer refuses to recognize and bargain with
a union as the duly designated majority representative of
its employees while simultaneously engaging in unfair
labor practices which undermine the union's majority
status, the employer is in violation of Section 8(a)(1) and
(5) of the Act. Since the record reflects that this is what
occurred in the instant case, I find that Respondent has,
as alleged, violated Section 8(a)(l) and (5) of the Act.
The Supreme Court in N.L.R.B. v. Gissel Packing Co.
Inc.,72 approved the finding of an 8(a)(5) violation and
the issuance of a bargaining order, where the unfair labor
practices committed by Respondent, have a "tendency to
undermine majority strength and impede the election
process." 395 U.S. at 613-614.
There can be little doubt, and I so find, that the unfair
labor practices found to have been committed by Re-
spondent, the discharge of Gross,7 3 as well as the other
unfair labor practices found, are sufficient to have such a
tendency to impede the election process.
Respondent alleges as an affirmative defense that the
Union and strikers "engaged in violence and misconduct,
and thereby waived all rights and remedies under the
Act." Apparently, Respondent argues that, in view of
the violence committed by King, any bargaining order,
even if warranted, be withheld from the Union.
7 4 The
only incident of picket line misconduct or violence al-
leged or proven is that committed by employee King,
consisting of breaking a window of a truck and also
brandishing a meat cleaver at a security guard for which
he was arrested. There was no involvement by union of-
ficials in any misconduct or violence. The conduct of
one picket in a nearly 2-month strike is insufficient to
justify the extraordinary action of withholding the ap-
propriate bargaining order required to remedy Respond-
ent's unfair labor practices.
7 5
Therefore, I recommend that Respondent be ordered
to bargain with the Union as of September 10.76
CONCI USIONS OF LAW
1. The Respondent, Heads and Threads Company, a
Division of MSL Industries, Inc., is, and at all times ma-
testified that he saw all the employees sign cards and that he was told,
inter aha. that the card's purpose was to prove he wanted the Union
72 395 US. 575 (1964).
7' The Board and the courts have long classified the unlawful dis-
charge of employees as conduct going "to the very heart of the Act."
IFaith Garment Company, Division of Dunhall Pharmaceutical. Inc., 246
NIRB 299 (1979) N.LR.B. v Entwistle Manufacturing Co., 120 F 2d
532, 536 (4th Cir 1941)
74 Herbert Bernstein, Alan Bernstein. Laura Bernstein. a Copartnership
d/b/a Laura Modes Company, 144 NLRB 1592 (1963)
as Highland Plastics. Inc., 256 NLRB 146 (1981); Maywood Plant of
Grede Plastics .4 Division of Grede Foundries. Inc., 235 NLtRB 363 (1978).
76 The date that the Union obtained its majority status and when the
unfair labor practices co mmenced
813
DECISIONS OF NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
terial herein has been, an employer engaged in commerce
within the meaning of the Act.
2. Local 210, International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America is a
labor organization within the meaning of Section 2(5) of
the Act.
3. All warehouse employees and drivers employed by
Respondent at its Woodside, New York, warehouse, ex-
clusive of all other employees, guards, and all supervi-
sors as defined in Section 2(11) of the Act, constitute a
unit appropriate for purposes of collective bargaining
within the meaning of Section 9(a) of the Act.
4. At all times, since September 10, 1980, the Union
has been the exclusive representative of the employees in
said unit for purposes of collective bargaining within the
meaning of Section 9(a) of the Act.
5. By discharging William Gross on September 11 for
joining and assisting the Union and for engaging in pro-
tected concerted activity, Respondent has engaged in
unfair labor practices within the meaning of Section
8(a)(l) and (3) of the Act.
6. By imposing changes in work assignments and work
rules because of the union activities of its employees, by
requiring Willie Ravenell to pull orders and begin work
immediately upon punching in, and reducing the coffee
breaktime, and requiring employees to notify their super-
visor when they intended to use the bathroom, Respond-
ent has violated Section 8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act.
7. By telling an employee that he is "trying to get a
union in here," thereby creating the impression of sur-
veillance of employees' union activities; telling an em-
ployee that the "union idea is going to get you in a lot of
trouble;" threatening to discharge employees because of
their union activities; threatening bodily injury against an
employee because of his union activity; threatening an
employee with loss of economic benefits if he did not
abandon his membership in and activity in behalf of the
Union; threatening unfair labor practice strikers with
being permanently replaced; promising promotions and
transfers to employees to induce them to refrain from be-
coming or remaining members of the Union and to
induce them to abandon their membership in and activity
on its behalf, Respondent has violated Section 8(a)(l) of
the Act.
8. The strike which commenced on September 15,
1980, was an unfair labor practice strike.
9. On November 10, 1980, the Union made an uncon-
ditional offer on behalf of all strikers to return to work.
10. By failing and refusing to reinstate unfair labor
practice strikers on about November 10, 1980, Respond-
ent has engaged in unfair labor practices within the
meaning of Section 8(a)(1) and (3) of the Act.
11. By refusing since on and after September 10, 1980,
to recognize and bargain collectively with the Union as
the exclusive representative of the employees in the unit
described above, Respondent has violated Section 8(a)(l)
and (5) of the Act.
12. The aforesaid unfair labor practices are unfair labor
practices affecting commerce within the meaning of Sec-
tion 2(6) and (7) of the Act.
13. Respondent has not violated the Act, as alleged in
the complaint, by interrogating employees; engaging in
surveillance of the concerted activities of employees; of-
fering or promising wage increases to its employees; and
subjecting its employees to closer supervision or more
onerous conditions of work than they previously had re-
ceived.
14. Respondent has not discharged Joseph Russo, as
alleged in the complaint.
15. Respondent has not violated the Act, as alleged in
the complaint, by failing and refusing to reinstate Julius
King.
THE REMEDY
Having found that Respondent has engaged in certain
unfair labor practices, I find it necessary to order Re-
spondent to cease and desist therefrom and to take cer-
tain affirmative action designed to effectuate the policies
of the Act.
Having found that Respondent unlawfully refused on
November 10 to reinstate the unfair labor practice strik-
ers pursuant to the Union's unconditional offer on behalf
of employees who participated in the strike to return to
work, I shall recommend that Respondent offer full and
immediate reinstatement to all such employees or, if
those positions no longer exist, to substantially equivalent
positions, without prejudice to their seniority or other
rights and privileges, dismissing if necessary any persons
hired as replacements on or after September 15, 1980,
without prejudice to their seniority or other rights and
privileges. 7
I shall also recommend that Respondent make all the
unfair labor strikers, except Julius King, whole for any
loss of wages and other benefits resulting from Respond-
ent's failure to reinstate them from November 10, 1980,
to the date of a proper offer of reinstatement. Their loss
of earnings shall be computed as prescribed in F. W.
Woolworth Company, 90 NLRB 289 (1950), plus interest
as set forth in Isis Plumbing & Heating Co., 138 NLRB
716 (1962), and Florida Steel Corporation, 231 NLRB 561
(1977).
I shall also recommend that Respondent be ordered to
recognize and bargain with the Union as the exclusive
collective bargaining agent of the employees in the unit
found appropriate herein.
Having found that Respondent has discriminatorily im-
posed changes in work assignments and work rules by
requiring Willie Ravenell to pull orders, begin work im-
mediately upon punching in, reducing the coffee break-
time, and requiring employees to notify their supervisor
when they intended to use the bathroom, I shall recom-
mend that Respondent be required to rescind these
changes in work assignments and work rules.7 8
77 This portion of the remedy shall not apply to Julius King, who was
lawfully refused reinstatement for engaging in picket line misconduct. It
shall also not apply to Curtis Exum or Willie Ravenell who have been
reinstated. Although Svida testified that he offered reinstatement to cer-
tain other employees, I find that this issue was not fully litigated and I,
therefore, leave to the compliance stage of this proceeding the resolution
of that matter.
"I Although the record is unclear as to whether these work assign-
ments and work rules continued for any extended period of time, never-
theless, since no evidence was adduced by Respondent that the assign-
ments and rules have changed or were rescinded, I shall assume that
these new assignments and work rules are still in effect.
814
HEADS AND THREADS COMPANY
Upon the foregoing findings of fact, conclusions of
law, and the entire record in this proceeding, and pursu-
ant to Section 10(c) of the Act, I hereby issue the fol-
lowing recommended:
ORDER 79
The Respondent, Heads and Threads Company, a Di-
vision of MSL Industries, Inc., Woodside, New York, its
officers, agents, successors, and assigns, shall:
1. Cease and desist from:
(a) Discharging employees for engaging in protected
concerted activity or otherwise discriminating against
them in order to discourage them from joining or assist-
ing Local 210, International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America,
herein called the Union.
(b) Imposing changes in work assignments and work
rules because of the union activities of the employees by
requiring employees to pull orders, begin work immedi-
ately upon punching in, reducing the coffee breaktime,
and requiring employees to notify their supervisors when
they intended to use the bathroom.
(c) Telling employees that they are "trying to get a
union in here," thereby creating the impression of sur-
veillance of employees' union activities.
(d) Implying in statements to employees that other em-
ployees had been fired for engaging in union activities.
(e) Telling employees that the "union idea is going to
get you in a lot of trouble."
(f) Threatening to discharge employees because of
their union activities.
(g) Threatening bodily injury against employees be-
cause of their union activity.
(h) Threatening employees with loss of economic
benefits if they did not abandon their membership in and
activity in behalf of the Union.
(i) Threatening unfair labor practice strikers with
being permanently replaced.
(j) Promising promotions and transfers to employees to
induce them to refrain from becoming or remained mem-
bers of the Union and to induce them to abandon their
membership in and activity on its behalf.
(k) Refusing to recognize and bargain collectively with
the Union concerning terms and conditions of employ-
ment of its employees, in the following appropriate bar-
gaining unit:
All warehouse employees and drivers, employed by
Respondent at the Woodside, New York ware-
house, exclusive of all other employees, guards and
all supervisors as defined in Section 2(11) of the
Act.
(1) In any other manner interfering with, restraining, or
coercing its employees in the exercise of the right to self
'9 In the event no exceptions are filed as provided by Sec. 102.46 of
the Rules and Regulations of the National Labor Relations Board, the
findings, conclusions, and recommended Order herein shall, as provided
in Sec. 102.48 of the Rules and Regulations, be adopted by the Board and
become its findings, conclusions, and Order, and all objections thereto
shall be deemed waived.
organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations,
to bargain collectively through representatives of their
own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activi-
ties for the purpose of collective bargaining or other
mutual aid or protection, or to refrain from any or all
such activities.
2. Take the following affirmative action which is nec-
essary to effectuate the policies of the Act:
(a) Offer to all unfair labor practice strikers, except
Julius King and except those already reinstated, full and
immediate reinstatement to their former positions or, in
the event that their former positions no longer exist, to
substantially equivalent positions, without prejudice to
their seniority or other rights and privileges, dismissing,
if necessary, any person hired by Respondent on or after
September 15, 1980. Make whole all unfair labor practice
strikers except Julius King for any loss of pay which
they may have suffered by reason of Respondent's refus-
al to reinstate them, in conformity with the formula de-
scribed in the section of this Decision entitled "The
Remedy."
(b) Recognize and upon request, bargain collectively
with Local 210, International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, as
the exclusive collective-bargaining representative of the
employees in the appropriate unit with respect to wages,
rates of pay, hours of employment, and other terms and
conditions of employment and, if an understanding is
reached, embody such understanding in a signed written
agreement.
(c) Preserve and, upon request, make available to the
Board or its agents, for examination and copying, all
payroll records, social security payment records, time-
cards, personnel records and reports, and all other
records necessary to analyze the amount of backpay due
under the terms of this Order.
(d) Post at its place of business in Woodside, New
York, copies of the attached notice marked "Appen-
dix."" ° Copies of said notice, on forms provided by the
Regional Director for Region 29, after being duly signed
by Respondent's representative, shall be posted by it im-
mediately upon receipt thereof, and be maintained by it
for 60 consecutive days thereafter, in conspicuous places,
including all places where notices to employees are cus-
tomarily posted. Reasonable steps shall be taken by Re-
spondent to ensure that said notices are not altered, de-
faced, or covered by any other material.
(e) Notify the Regional Director for Region 29, in
writing, within 20 days from the date of this Order, what
steps Respondent has taken to comply herewith.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the complaint be dis-
missed insofar as it alleges violations not specifically
found herein.
0o In the event that this Order is enforced by a Judgment of a United
States Court of Appeals, the words in the notice reading "Posted by
Order of the National Labor Relations Board" shall read "Posted Pursu-
ant to a Judgment of the United States Court of Appeals Enforcing an
Order of the National ,ahbor Relations Board"
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