Comprehensive Settlement Valued Over $1 Million

In February of 2014, Region 25 approved a comprehensive non-Board settlement in American Red Cross, 33-CA-016204 et al.  A consolidated complaint alleged and an administrative law judge (ALJ) issued recommended findings to the Board that this Peoria, IL employer engaged in numerous unfair labor practices (ULPs) by failing to bargain with employees’ union representative, AFSCME Local 31.  The ALJ concluded that the employer violated the National Labor Relations Act by unilaterally changing various terms and conditions of work which included discontinuing matching 401(k) contributions, suspending employees’ merit pay increases, modifying pension benefits, changing health benefits and otherwise failing to bargain with the union about such additional items as time off, assignments and discipline.  The Peoria Subregional office with assistance from the St. Louis Regional office had secured a 10(j) injunctive order in 2011, as modified and enhanced by the circuit court in 2013, which led to bargaining and a global settlement of all matters.  The parties' settlement resulted in a 3-year collective bargaining agreement, resolution of the unilateral changes and other ULPs, and provided for compensation to employees (including $678,000 in lump sum payments) and an increase in wages over the duration of the 3-year contract, all valued by the parties to be in excess of one million dollars.