Independent presidential candidate Bernie Sanders began last week grappling with the reality of the policies he espouses as his unionized campaign workers — the first presidential campaign to go the union route — demanded a $15 minimum wage and were accommodated. But not before some had their hours cut.
Now, as if some kind of instant karma is in play, an anonymous complaint has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleging that the Sanders’ campaign is engaged in unfair labor practices.
The complaint posted Monday on the National Labor Relations Board’s website and noted by Bloomberg Law alleges several potential violations, including concerted activities (retaliation, discharge, discipline) discharge, illegal interrogation, repudiation and modification of contract.
A full text of the labor complaint has not been released yet, and it was filed by an anonymous individual from Iowa. The NLRB allows individuals who are not on the campaign staff to file a labor law violations complaint.
People paying attention should have seen this coming, as the dispute over a $15 minimum was simply one of the potential workplace violations laid out in pieces at the Washington Post and this piece from the Labor Union Report, which alleges everything from circumventing the union and direct dealing with employees to misclassifying non-exempt employees as exempt.
In short, the monster you created is coming for you, Bernie. Perhaps this will make clear why so many in this country oppose your policies.
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