Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
BCTGM Local 37 (Los Angeles), has filed federal charges against Aspire Bakeries, for multiple labor law violations committed during an organizing campaign at the company’s Ontario, California bakery. Aspire Bakeries produces Otis Spunkmeyer, La Brea Bakery and Oakrun Farm Bakery brands, and is owned by the private-equity firm Lindsay-Goldberg.
Not long after workers at the California bakery approached Local 37 organizers, the company hired a high-priced union busting firm to put a stop to the employees’ efforts. According to BCTGM Organizing Director John Price, the company’s union busters committed numerous offenses including spying on union activities, harassment and intimidation of union supporters. “These are clear and outrageous violations of federal labor law. Employees were denied their legal right to join the BCTGM because of the company’s blatant disregard of federal law,” Price said.
BCTGM called on Lindsay-Goldberg to put a stop to Aspire’s use of union busters, but Lindsay-Goldberg executives refused to meet or speak with the union.
“Lindsay Goldberg management refused to talk to us, despite the fact their Aspire Bakeries subsidiary was knowingly violating federal laws and denying their workers the protected right to a free election,” said BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton. “Private equity companies like Lindsay Goldberg are used to hiding behind their portfolio companies and acting with impunity. Those days are over. Lindsay Goldberg owns Aspire Bakeries and is responsible for Aspire’s anti-worker actions.
