The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation announced on March 18 that it has issued a special legal notice for nearly 4,000 workers at the JBS meatpacking facility in Greeley, Colorado, who are affected by a United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union strike order.
The notice is intended to inform employees of their rights during the strike and highlights steps they can take if they wish to continue working. The Foundation said its goal is to ensure workers know how to avoid potential fines or internal discipline from the union. According to the official website, the National Right to Work Legal Defense and Education Foundation works to protect employees from compulsory unionism by offering free legal aid, engaging in litigation and public education (official website).
In its statement, the Foundation said: “The situation presents serious concerns for JBS employees who believe there is much to lose from a union-ordered strike. That is why workers confronted with strike demands frequently contact the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation to learn how they can avoid fines and other union discipline for continuing to work to support themselves and their families.”
The notice also points out that UFCW Local 7 officials are currently facing federal prosecution related to alleged illegal discipline imposed on King Soopers employees after a previous strike action. It states: “JBS employees should read this notice carefully and consider contacting Foundation staff attorneys for assistance to ensure UFCW officials cannot impose any fines against them.”
Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, said: “While many JBS employees may already be questioning whether UFCW Local 7 officials really have their best interests in mind by calling this strike, the fact that these very union bosses are currently being prosecuted for illegal strike discipline is a reminder that workers should be vigilant to protect their legal rights. JBS workers should know that they have the right to resign their union memberships and return to work to support their families, no matter what UFCW chiefs might tell them.”
The organization advances workers’ freedom through strategic litigation on compulsory unionism issues (official website). It also delivers free legal assistance and educational resources aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights against mandatory union fees (official website). The group focuses broadly on labor rights advocacy within these contexts (official website).
A Spanish version of the legal notice is available online.
