MADISON, Wis.–The Madison Common Council has unanimously passed a resolution in support of members of Office and Professionals Employees International Union Local 39 who are employed by CUNA Mutual Group and currently in a labor impasse with the company.
The resolution, which mirrors another, RES-371, that was passed earlier by the Dane County Board 24-1, was titled “Supporting Bargaining Between OPEIU Local 39 and CUNA Mutual Group, and was introduced by Alder Yanette Figueroa-Cole.
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.
‘Growing Political Support’ Cited
“Political support has been growing since OPEIU Local 39 filed multiple unfair labor practice claims (ULPs) with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in February,” the union said in a statement. “The Union has charged that CMG is not bargaining in good faith, refusing to meet with the Union since December 2022, and has been unlawfully obstructing the bargaining process. On March 14th, CMG placed the Union’s Chief Steward, Joe Evica, on paid suspension for alleged ‘misuse of company information.’ The company’s disciplinary investigation may lead to termination. The Union has stated that discipline directed at Mr. Evica is retaliation for his union activities and role as a leader.”
In addition, the union noted 11 state legislators have co-signed a letter sent to CUNA Mutual CEO Bob Trunzo voicing support for the union’s remaining bargaining items and presses CMG to engage in good faith bargaining.
CUNA Mutual Issues Statement
In an earlier statement to CUToday.info, CUNA Mutual said many of the allegations being made by the union are “false.”
“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,” CUNA Mutual said. “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.”