L.A. Carwash Manager Accused of Threatening Worker With Violence

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/68800

Labor Desk
July 17, 2008
Worker Organizing to Improve Conditions Allegedly Threatened With Bullets, Machete.

Los Angeles – Carwash workers in L.A. have charged their employer with illegal coercion and harassment, including threats of physical violence, for trying to organize a union and for speaking to press about the appalling working conditions in an L.A. carwash.

The Carwash Worker Organizing Committee of the United Steelworkers union has filed two new unfair labor practice charges against Vermont Hand Wash with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). According to the charges — filed on July 7 and July 15 — management of Vermont Hand Wash, located at 1666 North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, has coerced, threatened, and retaliated against employees trying to organize a union.

The charge filed on July 15 describes how a manager threatened one union supporter with physical violence when he showed the worker .38 caliber bullets on one occasion in April and a machete and combat knife on another occasion in June. According to the worker, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, the manager knew that he was a union supporter and showed him the machete after the worker complained about having his hours cut. "When the manager showed me his machete, he said that he kept it, and other weapons, in his car for whatever might come up at the carwash. He has told me when he pulls out his gun, he uses it to kill. This made me very afraid for myself and my co-workers who are trying to improve the bad conditions at this carwash."

Dave Campbell, Secretary-Treasurer of United Steelworkers Local 675 commented, "These charges against Vermont Hand Wash are shocking. No worker should have to endure threats of physical violence for standing up for his rights on the job."

According to Campbell, carwash workers face an uphill battle to organize their union, but with community support for the boycott of Vermont Hand Wash and two other LA carwashes owned by Benny Pirian or his family members, Celebrity Car Wash and Hollywood Car Wash, carwashers may be able to force the employer to put an end to the intimidation and threats of violence.

"Carwash workers risk their health every day in sweatshop conditions. And some risk their very lives when they speak out about these deplorable working conditions. We will not rest until the workers can exercise their rights without fear of reprisals," said Campbell.


FULL story at link.

[Trillo]

1. I've been threated physically by an employer.

It's probably much more common than anyone cares to admit.