Hidden Valley Lake >> More than a dozen union golf course workers began a strike Tuesday morning claiming unfair labor practice against the Hidden Valley Lake Association (HVLA). The 13 picketers gathered at various entrance points, waving at passing cars and cheering at those who honked.
They are on strike with the hope of reestablishing negotiations for their contract that first expired on Oct. 31, then again on Dec. 3 after an extension was issued.
“We all want our jobs, that’s why we are out here,” maintenance worker Trevor Brinkman said.
Initial contract meetings began almost a year ago, and while HVLA and union representatives met several times, nothing was ever finalized, according to Laborers’ Local 324 Field Representative and Vice President George Griffin.
Both sides are claiming the other’s refusal to bargain in good faith has led to stalemate.
“We are trying to come to a mutually agreeable solution,” Griffin said. “And they have refused to make a move. We want to go back to the table and start back negotiations.”
But HVLA in a press statement countered, “The Union has been unwilling to try and understand the economic situation we all face.”
The release states that union members rejected an “extremely modest” $1.95 increase per work hour to their contribution toward health care costs despite being paid approximately 10 to 25 percent more per hour than the other staff.
The association maintains that union employees were, “inflexible in bringing efficiency to their operations and cost savings to the Community. In the end, the Union refused to negotiate further, simply making the same proposals without any progress toward a new contract.”
Griffin estimated, however, that union representatives tried at least 20 times to set up a new meeting date to discuss the contract, but received no response from HVLA.
The union has also filed a formal complaint before the National Labor Relations Board Region 20 in which they state the association has, “been engaging in unfair labor practices as set forth in the National Labor Release Act.”
Specific allegations in the document include suspending an employee because he “assisted the Union and engaged in concerted activities” and to discourage such activities. The association, the document continues, has failed to provide information necessary for the union employees to perform their duties. Additionally, the HLVA hired seasonal workers to perform union duties outside of the time frame allowed for hiring.
A hearing date is scheduled in Santa Rosa on June 15 at 9 a.m. conducted before an administrative judge of the National Labor Relations Board during which time HLVA has the right to appear and present testimony regarding the listed allegations.
“We are confident we will demonstrate that the Association did nothing wrong and it was the Union who refused to bargain in good faith.”
Griffin said they are not looking for a lengthy strike. “Instead of standing around and doing this, I’d rather be sitting at the table discussing the contract.”
