CUNA Mutual Negotiates Bad-FaithBargaining Charges

MADISON, Wis. - (01/14/05) -- CUNA Mutual Group has apparentlyagreed with federal labor authorities to settle unfair laborpractice charges brought by its employees union, includingallegations it improperly supported an ongoing effort by whitecollar workers to form their own separate bargaining unit, sourcesclose to the matter told The Credit Union Journal. Under terms ofthe settlement, CUNA Mutual is expected to post an apology at theiroffices in public view conceding the charges by the Office andProfessional Employees Union, Local 39, alleging that the companyengaged in a number of anti-labor activities, including threateningemployees for speaking on behalf of the union, bypassing the unionto deal directly with employees on labor negotiations, and aidedthe ongoing efforts to separate white collar workers from the mainbargaining unit. A CUNA Mutual spokesperson said only that thecompany is engaged in settlement negotiations but a the reaching ofa final agreement is 'premature'.