In The News - New Era Workers Join Alabama CWA

By a wide margin, workers at the New Era Cap Company in Demopolis, Ala., voted in late April to become CWA members. The vote was 202-66.

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

The unit of 354 workers is CWA's second at New Era; another 350 are represented in Derby, N.Y., where the company is headquartered. New Era, which agreed to remain neutral during the Alabama campaign, is the official hat maker for Major League Baseball as well as pro basketball and hockey leagues and many colleges.

New Era's attendance policy was the major issue driving the union campaign. "Management routinely gives employees points, or demerits, for being absent for legitimate personal or family matters, such as doctors' appointments or family emergencies," District Organizing Coordinator Liz Roberson said, explaining that workers can face discipline if they reach seven points. Low pay and management favoritism in work assignments were also key issues.

A new local is being set up for the workers, with bargaining expected to begin shortly. CWA organizers from Locals 3122 and 3108 assisted the workers' 13-person inside organizing committee.