NLRB Alleges Verizon Violated Law, Illegally Fired Worker for Engaging in Union Activity

NLRB demands the telecom giant reinstate worker fired for union activity, provide lost wages, and issue letter of apology

Complaint also finds Verizon management made unlawful threats to employees at multiple Seattle-based stores in an effort to discourage unionization

SEATTLE — The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a complaint today against Verizon Wireless, alleging the company violated the law by illegally firing Jesse Mason, a former Specialist at Verizon Wireless’ Seattle Northgate and Aurora Village retail store locations, for engaging in union activity earlier this year.

The complaint follows the filing of an Unfair Labor Practice Charge (ULP) back in April by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), who alleged Mason was suddenly terminated from his position after attempting to organize his colleagues and attending Verizon Wireless workers’ union vote counts for nearby Everett and Lynnwood stores in solidarity.

Following a formal investigation, the NLRB is seeking a remedy by asking the company to reinstate Mason, provide him with compensation for lost wages and consequential damages, and issue a letter of apology for terminating his employment in an act of retaliation. The complaint also finds evidence that management at Mason's retail location misled and intimidated workers in an effort to discourage them from organizing, including threatening to withhold benefits from employees if they voted for a union.

“After almost seven months since I was fired, I’m excited to get back to work in the stores where I belong,” Mason said. “The feeling of walking back in after being illegally fired will be amazing. Workers have rights, including the right to organize, and this will show Verizon and every other union-busting mega-corporation that their illegal actions have consequences. The union movement won’t be stopped by petty corporate law-breaking and bullying.”

A hearing in front of an NLRB administrative judge has been scheduled for February 14, 2023, in Seattle. Verizon has until November 18, 2022, to file an answer to the complaint.

In total, CWA has issued five ULP charges with the NLRB against Verizon Wireless on behalf of retail workers in or near Seattle, as well as additional charges on behalf of Verizon Wireless workers at two stores in Portland, Ore. In addition to the charge related to Mason’s illegal termination in Seattle, charges include issuing unfair dress code violations, disciplining workers for speaking out on low staffing levels, and other instances of retaliation and efforts to undermine union membership.

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About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, and manufacturing.

cwa-union.org @cwaunion