Exal officials support employees' rights to choose for or against union representation; question motivation for vote delay

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Exal Corporation today expressed disappointment that the Teamsters Union continues to delay a representation election for its Youngstown, Ohio facility employees.

"Rather than hold a democratic vote to allow employees to register their preference, the Teamsters have instead resorted to a smear campaign," said Exal CEO Mike Hoffman.  "We can only assume that this is a delay tactic on the Teamsters' behalf to try to build as yet unrealized employee support."

"The Union's claims are simply not true, and our employees know this is the case," said Mr. Hoffman.  "We support the right of our employees to decide whether or not they want union representation.  Making false statements about the Company in an effort to pressure them is not just unfair, it is suspicious."

Woody Booth, an eight-year Exal employee, stated, "Exal is a very good place to work and the employees are treated well.  We have good pay, good benefits, safe working conditions and job security.  We had been waiting nine long months to vote and have our opinions and rights heard as far as a vote and then it's just gone."

Teamsters Local 377 began a union organizing campaign at Exal's Youngstown facility, the second largest employer in the area, in late 2012.  The National Labor Relations Board had scheduled an election at the facility for November 19 and 20, 2013.  The Teamsters, however, prevented the election from taking place by filing unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB six days before the election.  As a result, the NLRB has been unable to set a new election date.

"After 11 months of Teamsters organizing activity, employees were eager to have their voices heard by voting in an election," Hoffman said.  "I would encourage the Teamsters to refrain from further election delay tactics and give our employees the opportunity to exercise their rights."

SOURCE Exal Corporation