354 Pick CWA at New Era Cap Plant in Alabama

In a tremendous show of unity, workers at the New Era Cap Company in Demopolis, Ala.,voted 202-66 for CWA representation on April 24, reports District 3 Vice President Noah Savant. Turnout was high in the NLRB-sponsored election, with 75 percent of the plant's 354 workers voting.

The company agreed to remain neutral during the campaign.  CWA also represents another unit of about 350 at the company's headquarters location in Derby, N.Y., near Buffalo. New Era is the official hat maker for Major League Baseball as well as professional U.S. basketball and hockey leagues and many colleges.

The company's attendance policy was the major issue driving the workers' campaign for a union, reported District Organizing Coordinator Liz Roberson. "Management routinely gives employees points, or demerits, for being absent for legitimate personal or family matters, such as doctors' appointments or family emergencies," she said, noting that employees are subject to discipline when they reach seven points. Workers were also concerned over low pay and management's favoritism in making work assignments.

"We found a boldness and courage that we didn't know we had," stated two of the workers on the inside committee in a letter to CWA. "It has been a great experience and a cause that we have come to believe it," said Alma Null and Laurie Fendley.

A new local is being set up for the workers and bargaining a first contract is expected to begin shortly. The workers' 13-person inside organizing committee was assisted by CWA organizers from Locals 3122 and 3108.