Mercedes-Benz of San Diego, the goal of a strike by union technicians for the previous month, final week fired 20 placing staff.
Management on the luxurious dealership owned by Penske Automotive Group Inc. has filed a grievance with the National Labor Relations Board stating that the previous staff “unlawfully condoned and encouraged blatant picket line misconduct.”
“Safety and security of our employees and customers is our top priority. Out of concern for the future safety of our staff and customers and after an investigation, we have informed those union members who engaged in serious misconduct that we have terminated their employment,” Mercedes-Benz of San Diego stated in an announcement to Automotive News.
Pedro Gomez, a store steward at International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1484 and technician on the dealership, stated the union can even file a grievance with the labor board. Gomez stated the dealership wrongfully terminated the strikers, in line with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“If we’re picketing and customers have to wait for us to cross the driveway, yes, that would hinder them from going straight through,” Gomez informed the Tribune. “But is it unlawfully harassing them? I disagree.”
Neither Gomez nor different union officers returned messages from Automotive News looking for touch upon Monday.
The strike started June 17, and the final assembly between the union and dealership occurred on July 13. The negotiations haven’t yielded a brand new contract settlement.
The dealership stated in its assertion that it provided members a median elevate of $10,000 on a median wage of $120,000 per yr. Gomez stated the numbers have been deceptive and that the strike is about greater than cash.
“They’re basically telling us, ‘We’ll starve you out.’ But the problem wasn’t even about money. It’s about the tone, the respect,” Gomez informed Automotive News final month. “We’re done with the bullying.”
According to a TikTok from Gomez, Mercedes-Benz of San Diego has employed safety throughout a number of places. The dealership can be nonetheless searching for substitute technicians.
It stays unclear when the 2 sides plan to renew negotiations.
Source: www.autonews.com