Jimmy John's employees could get second shot at unionization

Workers at ten area Jimmy John's restaurants could get another shot at deciding if they want a union under a settlement brokered by the National Labor Relations Board.

Last October, the workers narrowly rejected unionization. But the NLRB said it found evidence the owner of the restaurants committed several unfair labor practices during the election campaign. Erik Forman, a union leader, said that if management doesn't recognize the union, the union will seek another vote.

"We're hoping that we can immediately begin working with management to improve working conditions," Forman said. "But we're also confident that if they don't cooperate, we will win within six months."

The owner did not admit any wrongdoing but agreed to tell employees they have the right to join a union and have it bargain wages and benefits on their behalf. The owner also agreed not to commit unfair labor acts in the future, such as punishing workers for union activity.

"It's largely the employer agreeing to not violate the National Labor Relations Act in the future by engaging in certain conduct," said Marlin Osthus, the regional director for the NLRB.

The settlement allows the union to seek a new election within the next 18 months.

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