Austal workers reject union

MOBILE, Ala. - Austal USA workers have rejected union representation for a third time, voting 613-367 against representation by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association union, according to company officials. The election was held Thursday and Friday. Of 1,169 eligible workers, about 90 percent voted. The union lost two previous votes, but each time the National Labor Relations Board ordered a new election because of unfair labor practices. Austal USA, along the Mobile River, has more than 2,000 workers and build littoral combat ships for the Navy. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/05/11)