Illegal activities of Southern Bosses for the weeks between Friday, April 4, and Friday, April 11
Sorry about the delay in getting this sent out yall – been a busy week! In some good news, OSHA has finally begun issuing press releases about enforcement again! They’re below along with our normal Union Busters segment.
Georgia Endangerers
A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that improperly stored hazardous chemicals were the cause of a fire at a Bio-Lab Inc. facility in Conyers.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation learned that the incident originated at a company warehouse that stored various chemicals. OSHA cited Bio-Lab for four serious and two other-than-serious violations and proposed $61,473 in penalties.
Bio-Lab has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
OSHA’s Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances webpage includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, controlling worker exposure. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
Missouri Killers
The U.S. Department of Labor reached an agreement with Jamesport roofing contractor John Troyer after a federal investigation determined he violated federal laws, resulting in a teen worker’s fatal fall in March 2023.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that Troyer, owner of Troyer Construction LLP which operates as Troyer Roofing & Coatings, failed to provide workers with required fall protection. A separate investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division found he violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by employing minors illegally in roofing work from May 2022 to June 2023.
Under the agreement, Troyer must pay $290,000, which includes $156,259 in OSHA penalties, $15,000 in child labor penalties, and $118,741 in criminal fines to the U.S. Department of Justice. The company will also enroll in Missouri’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program.
Union Busters
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Here are the new filings from this week:
- Arcosa (MI) hired Labor Relations Elevated for $212.50/hour
- Per the filing, they were sub-contracted by LRI Consulting Services
- Newport Meat Southern California (CA) hired Action Resources for $3,750/day
- Rogue Disposal (OR) hired Davis Grimm Payne & Marra for $400/hour
- Coregistics (GA) hired LRI Consulting Services for $425/hour
- ARO Construction Group (NY) hired Labor Management Consultants for $250/hour
In addition, one filing was amended:
- Solutions Labor Relations Consulting added their compensation rate ($250/hour) at The LCP Group
Due to a lack of enforcement, some labor relations consultants may disregard the law and fail to report their activities to the U.S. Department of Labor. Therefore, it’s crucial for organizers and workers to report suspected “persuader” activity to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS).
It’s crucial for organizers and workers to report suspected “persuader” activity to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). You can reach them via email at OLMS-Public@dol.gov, by calling (202) 693-0123, or by contacting your nearest OLMS District Office.
For assistance, please contact LaborLab at contact@laborlab.us.