Union workers at America’s Credit Unions (ACU), a credit union advocacy group in Madison, are accusing their employer of trying to bust their union through pending layoffs that could impact 25% of the workforce, or around 38 employees in Madison, according to a WKOW report. Tensions have risen since ACU announced the layoffs in January, prompting objections from the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39, which represents some ACU workers.
Typically when layoffs loom at a unionized workplace, the union and employer negotiate to explore alternatives before job cuts. However, the OPEIU claims ACU made no such effort despite requests to do so. ACU states it has engaged OPEIU in discussions about affected positions, including considering alternatives, as its restructuring continues after a merger last year.
The merger led to duplicate roles at ACU, which also anticipates a $12 million shortfall according to OPEIU. While acknowledging cuts are needed, union members feel other cost savings could be prioritized before layoffs.
The union’s chief ACU steward alleges the company has undermined union representation by promoting unionized workers to manager roles ineligible for union membership and replacing union positions with contractors. OPEIU also claims ACU retained an anti-union law firm.
