Union rep missing from meeting, employer probe leads to firing

Labor Daze

By Frank J. Saibert

Frank J. Saibert is a partner in the labor and employment practice at Nixon, Peabody LLP. He represents public- and private-sector employers nationwide in labor relations and employment matters. He is past president of the Chicago chapter of the National Human Resources Association and a former Lyons Township committeeman. He can be reached at fjsaibert@nixonpeabody.com.

Posted August 2, 2018 11:37 AM

Jason Thomas worked as a cashier at a Fred Meyer superstore in Portland, Ore., and he was represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555.One March afternoon in 2017, two Meyer customers and two co-workers reported to store management that they had smelled alcohol on Thomas’ breath while he was working. Management felt obliged to interview and screen Thomas for alcohol before the conclusion of his shift.Meyer personnel led Thomas to a secured office within the store, telling Thomas, falsely …

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