Busted!
A sampler of recent charges of employer labor law violations filed
with the local office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Starbucks settles with fired pro-union worker
Starbucks has settled an unfair labor practice charge filed by a fired
Portland barista. Hannah Fredrickson, 22, was fired Dec. 17 from
her $11.79-an-hour job at the Starbucks on 10112 NE Halsey St.
— several weeks after she stood up for the right of her and co-
workers to take breaks and to have a properly stocked first aid kit.
Fredrickson’s workers’ rights activism began when she heard an
OPB program about unions, and then wrote a paper about organized
labor for a writing class at Mt. Hood Community College. She
learned online about efforts by the Industrial Workers of the
World to unionize at Starbucks, expressed sympathy for that on
Facebook, and was fired soon after. Fredrickson filed the charges
Feb. 25. The NLRB investigated and issued a complaint June 29.
Soon after, the company settled. Fredrickson was represented by
Lake Oswego attorney Jon Egan. Under the terms, Fredrickson can
talk about the case, but is barred from revealing the amount of the
settlement. But the NLRB’s formula for such cases — lost compen-
sation, minus wages in the interim — puts it in the range of $10,000
to $15,000. The settlement also bars Fredrickson from applying at
any Starbucks in the future. “I’m okay with that,” Fredrickson told
the Labor Press. “I don’t think I’d ever work with that company
again.” She’s since been hired at Green Beans Coffee and Tea at
2327 East Burnside Street.
Sisterhood trumps fondness for Papa Murphy
Cherise Mofidi stuck up for her twin sister Dennise — and was
fired for it, she alleges in charges filed Aug. 24. The two sisters
worked at Papa Murphy’s Pizza at the company’s 3523 NE 15th
Avenue location in Portland. Dennise quit April 30 after she
protested being treated differently than a white co-worker. As she
left the store, a manager mocked her. Cherise spoke up in defense of
her sister and was fired from her $8.65-an-hour job as crew leader.
Dennise Mofidi reported break violations and racial discrimination
to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Cherise alleges un-
lawful retaliation in charges with the National Labor Relations
Board, which she learned about in conversations with Industrial
Workers of the World.
Georgia-Pacific sacks union activist
At the Georgia-Pacific paper mill in Wauna, Oregon, United Steel-
workers Local 1097 says safety committee member Richard Van-
Winkel was discharged because of his involvement in union activ-
ity. A separate charge accuses the company of refusing to provide
information to the union for a grievance investigation appealing the
discharge.
Honoring Workers this Labor Day
D ENNIS O’M ALLEY
Attorney at Law
Representing union
union members
members for
than
Representing
for more
more
than
years in in workers’
workers’ compensation
and
20 25
years
compensation
and
Social
cases.
Social Security
Security disability
disability cases.
1500 NE Irving Street, Suite 370 • Portland, OR 97232 • 503-243-4899
PAGE 8
NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS
SEPTEMBER 2, 2011