American Water benefits slash illegal, says Labour Relations Board

American Water benefits slash illegal, says Labour Relations Board

On 31 July, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board declared that American Water illegally slashed healthcare and other benefits for 3,200 workers in nearly 70 different bargaining units in fifteen states across the U.S.

Comms

American Water illegally imposed cuts in employee healthcare, retiree health, and disability benefits on January 1, 2011 without having notified state mediation agencies about the ongoing bargaining dispute, as required by federal labor law.

The company must pay backpay with interest to all affected workers and restore the illegal cuts in employee benefits.  The Utility Workers Union of America, which filed the charge against the company, estimates American Water’s backpay liability in the case to be several million dollars.

“This decision is another huge step in our efforts to win justice for American Water employees,” declared Michael Langford, UWUA National President.  “We will continue challenging this company’s unfair attacks against working families until American Water learns that it is not above the law.”

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