MOBILE, Ala. - Local 441 of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board after a failed attempt earlier this month to organize Austal USA. The complaint claims, among other things, that Austal coerced and intimidated employees. Austal USA President Joe Rella said company representatives acted in a lawful and professional manner throughout the election process. Workers voted 613-367 against unionizing. Austal is Mobile's largest industrial employer, with more than 2,100 workers. It's building littoral combat ships and high-speed transport vessels for the Navy. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/17/11)
Shipbuilding and maritime related news from the Central Gulf Coast region
