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NLRB issues complaint against Au Bon Pain for unfair labor practices

The National Labor Relations Board is alleging Au Bon Pain is discouraging its workers at Philadelphia International Airport from engaging in union activities, according to Law360. The NLRB, in response to cases opened by Unite Here Local 274, has filed a complaint against Au Bon Pain.

February 6, 2015

The National Labor Relations Board is alleging Au Bon Pain is discouraging its workers at Philadelphia International Airport from engaging in union activities, according to Law360. The NLRB, in response to cases opened by Unite Here Local 274, has filed a complaint against Au Bon Pain.

The union alleges that CEO Susan Morelli was brought in to meet with workers, and promised to hear and fix their grievances, but her real motive was to discourage workers from forming a union.

The union also alleged that David Miller, a regional manager, promised to give money to an employee to help the worker pay for child care at the airport in order to discourage the employee from engaging in union activities.

Au Bon Pain says Unite Here has filed multiple charges with the NLRB, and almost all have been found to have no merit. The company also says Unite Here is trying to pressure it into recognizing the union. According to Law360:

“Au Bon Pain believes that these items have no merit, either factually or legally, and it is confident that the facts will demonstrate that it has acted in full conformity with its legal obligations,” the company said. “Au Bon Pain looks forward to presenting those facts to an Administrative Law Judge who will hear the case.”

Au Bon Pain has until Feb. 9 to respond. A hearing is set for April 13.