MADISON, Wis.–A labor union that represents some employees at CUNA Mutual Group is alleging “retaliation” against a union steward at the company.
According to Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39, on March 14 CUNA Mutual issued a notice of immediate suspension and investigation of Joe Evica, chief steward for OPEICU Local 39.
But CUNA Mutual has responded by saying any such allegation is “false.”
In a statement, the union said CUNA Mutual has not provided detailed information on Evica’s alleged infractions, “vaguely stating the matter is ‘disclosure of company information’.” OPEIU further stated CUNA Mutual has retained the services of “anti-union law firm” Ogletree and Deakins.
“What the company is doing is a transparent and desperate effort to retaliate against Joe and our Union for standing strong and fighting for a contract that we deserve,” said videographer and union member Will Roberts in a statement.
As CUToday.info reported earlier, OPEIU 39 and CUNA Mutual have been negotiating a successor labor agreement since early 2022, after the previous collective bargaining agreement expired March 31st, 2022.
Unfair Labor Practice Charge Filed
As CUToday.info also reported, in February 2023 the union filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), claiming CUNA Mutual was unlawfully obstructing the bargaining process and refusing to meet with the Union. In addition, OEICU alleged CUNA Mutual has been violating the NLRB’s “joint employer” standard through its employment of hundreds of contractors performing work identical to the union’s.
According to OPEIU, Evica’s discipline followed a meeting and poll held by the union on March 9th on whether the members would authorize collective action to protest Unfair Labor Practices and bring the CUNA Mutual back to the bargaining table. The union said it is also supporting resolutions 371 at the Dane County Board and 76645 at the Madison Common Council, which are scheduled for votes March 16 and March 21, respectively.
‘Breach of Conduct’
In response to a CUToday.info inquiry, CUNA Mutual issued a statement saying, “CUNA Mutual Group is currently investigating a potential breach of the company’s code of conduct. We expect all employees to abide by the company’s code of conduct. As this matter involves a CUNA Mutual employee and the investigation is ongoing, we have no more information to share at this time.
“We’ve had an 80-year relationship with this union built on a respect for our employees and their rights. OPEIU’s characterization of CUNA Mutual Group’s investigation into the employee’s conduct is false. While we are disappointed in OPEIU’s public comments, we remain committed to swiftly reaching a fair and competitive agreement that benefits all our employees.”
‘Created a Powder Keg’
In a statement, Sarah Larsen, an administrative specialist and member of the union’s bargaining committee, said, “CMG has created a powder keg by doing this to Joe. They’ve united the union’s membership more strongly than ever behind getting the contract we deserve. This retaliation will publicly make CMG look terrible and sully the image of their new brand, TruStage.”
In response, OEICU said it has filed additional charges with the NLRB and released a public petition, available here. The petition demands immediate cessation of retaliatory tactics; a neutral third-party investigator; and protection of confidential union communications from management.
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