Thanks
to Union persistence, justice was served for two Moses Lake employees
who were wrongfully terminated for their union activities during
a union organizing campaign. As soon as the employer took action
against the individuals, the Union began a fight to correct this
horrible injustice. During the holidays, 751 Administrative Assistant
Ron McGaha, who pursued the case on behalf of the employees, delivered
back pay settlements of $25,000 (before deductions).These two courageous employees were very outspoken in their support for the Union. That vocalization cost them their jobs, which is illegal under federal labor laws.
McGaha applauded their tenacity in the matter and declared, "The real crime is the inequity in our country's labor laws that allow employers to terminate employees for their union activity, which is their legal right. The laws for companies should be stricter with heavier punishment for this blatant disregard for workers' rights."
McGaha added, "I want to compliment these two individuals who stood steadfast and hung in there knowing they were putting their jobs in jeopardy by exercising their right to organize and join a union. They demonstrated the true meaning of solidarity by standing together even after they were fired rather than letting the company divide them. Their actions showed a lot of courage. Kathy reminds me of Norma Rae, in her determination to stand up for her convictions."
While neither employee wanted to return to their former employer, both vowed to see it through until they were vindicated and had received back pay for restitution.
Kathy Russell noted, "I was thankful to have the Union stand up for us. The Union fought long and hard to correct this injustice. I just hope the company learned their lesson so that no other employee will be penalized for exercising their legal right and so no one else will have to suffer like we did."