WGME-TV 13 offices in Portland.The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will be issuing a second Complaint and Notice of Hearing to WGME for engaging in unfair labor practices as a result of a charge by IBEW Local 1837. The Union charged that the Company “restrained and coerced employees” by unlawfully requiring them to participate in interviews with their Employer in preparation for a trial on an earlier Complaint. Such a requirement would be a violation of a member’s rights under the National Labor Relations Act. WGME would not agree to a settlement on this new case, leading to the decision by the NLRB to file another Complaint against the Portland television station.
The original charge by the Union was filed on March 19, 2007, after Union Steward Jack Amrock was threatened, intimidated and coerced by WGME management while fulfilling his responsibilities as
steward by investigating a possible contract violation.
As stated in the first NLRB complaint document, the initial charge stems from September of 2006 when Brother Amrock, “in his capacity as union steward, engaged in protected concerted activity by investigating and protesting a possible violation of a collective bargaining agreement” and by attending a meeting with WGME management about the possible violation. Shortly thereafter, WGME management issued a threatening memo to Brother Amrock that “intimidated, threatened, and coerced him” in connection with those activities.
The NLRB complaint goes on to state that WGME “has been interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of rights guaranteed” in the National Labor Relations Act.
WGME is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., of Hunt Valley, Maryland. IBEW Local Union 1837 represents approximately 50 employees at the CBS Television Network affiliate in Portland, Maine.
WGME offices in Portland.