Machinists Union Files Labor Charge After Maine Staples Store Fires Union Supporter

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed an Unfair Labor Charge (ULP) against Staples after management at a Brunswick, Maine retail store fired one of its employees, a strong union supporter, just ahead of the Labor Day weekend. 

The ULP charge, filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleges that Staples management fired the employee for union activity and is engaging in intimidation and retaliation due to support for the union. Employees at the store had recently garnered enough union support to file for an NLRB election to be represented by IAM District 4. 

“Staples is trying to press the ‘easy button’ by simply firing any employee who exercises their right to form a union,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The IAM stands by these brave Staples workers in Brunswick who are standing up for democracy on the job. We will use every resource available to fight this illegal firing and deliver justice for Staples workers.” 

The employee was fired on Friday, Sept. 1. 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. IAM Local S6 (District 4) represents approximately 4,200 workers at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.