Machinists withdraw request for SC Boeing union vote

Via LH

The union said it had contacted about 1,700 workers but Evans said the home visits were suspended after two organizers were threatened at gunpoint and other workers reported hostile confrontations. 

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The Machinists union is delaying its attempt to organize Boeing workers in South Carolina, announcing Friday that it's withdrawing a petition to hold a union vote next week because of what it called a toxic atmosphere and political interference.

Almost 3,200 production workers at Boeing facilities in North Charleston, where the aeronautics giant has a 787 assembly plant, were eligible to vote in the election that was set for April 22.

Withdrawing its petition before the National Labor Relations Board means there cannot now be another union vote for at least six months. Boeing employs nearly 7,500 workers in South Carolina.

"We've determined now is not the right time for an election," said Mike Evans, lead organizer for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. "An atmosphere of threats, harassment and unprecedented political interference has intimidated workers to the point we don't believe a free and fair election is possible."

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