SMITHFIELD, Va. (AP) — Smithfield Foods Inc. faces a federal complaint that alleges the meatpacker engaged in unfair labor practices with the union that represents workers at a plant slated for closure.
The National Labor Relations Board alleges that Smithfield improperly bargained with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on behalf of the Food Processors Local 1046, which represents workers at the soon-to-closed South Plant. About 750 workers at that plant will be offered transfers to the North Plant.
Smithfield proposed that the Food Processors join the Teamsters with their seniority rights intact, an agreement the company worked with the Teamsters to craft. That proposal would have effectively eliminated the Food Processors union.
A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 7 in the event the company and the Food Processors are unable to reach a settlement.