Austal may have another union vote

MOBILE, Ala. - A union could get a third try at organizing Austal USA’s workers after an administrative law judge ruled the shipyard committed unfair labor practices before an April 2008 election. Austal said it is considering appealing the decision, released last week, to the full National Labor Relations Board. If the shipbuilder does not appeal, the decision will become binding and workers will vote for the third time in seven years on whether they want to be represented by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/07/09)