Bike-Share Employees Reject Walmart Model, Vote to Unionize
http://blog.workingamerica.org/2014/12/09/bike-share-employees-reject-walmart-model-vote-to-unionize/
Wanted: skilled employees willing to work in a hazardous, low-wage environment without training, benefits or a predictable schedule.
This isnt an ad for working at Walmart. Rather, its a list of the reasons that workers at a bike-share venture in Boston voted to unionize with the Transport Workers (TWU) in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board conducted on Thursday. The election drew in 95% of eligible voters and led to an overwhelming three-fourths vote for union representation in a clear repudiation of practices that are becoming more common in technology-driven ventures.
The workers want a better company, said TWU Vice President John Samuelsen in a statement. A union contract will provide them a platform to have real input in giving Boston a world-class bike share operation, and it will enable us to address current problems, including operational difficulties and safety concerns. Were thrilled that the vote was so decisive.
Prior to the election, the workers complained of unpredictable and disruptive last-minute scheduling, being told theyre not needed after being called in, needing too many repairs while having too few mechanics, unsafe rental vans when the company vehicles were out of service and $15 per hour wages that dont match with the precision, organization and safety required in some of the companys jobs.
FULL story at link.