August 17, 2017
New York, NY – B&H was pleased when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on July 24th dismissed allegations that the relocation of B&H’s Brooklyn warehouses was a scheme to avoid bargaining with the union that represents our warehouse employees.
The dismissal affirmed B&H’s position that the plans for the move began years before employees voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union; that the lease for B&H’s Navy Yard facility expires in early 2018 without a renewal option; and that the move to New Jersey is part of a long-held plan to modernize its fulfillment center in a large, single facility to better serve customers and compete more effectively in the global economy.
As a follow-up to the dismissal, the NLRB has taken a position that B&H should have continued bargaining over a contract to cover the two Brooklyn warehouses that are in the process of closing, despite the fact that they are closing, and absent a settlement, the NLRB will issue a complaint on this matter.
We find it hard to understand the NLRB’s decision. Since the warehouse moves were announced in January, we have negotiated with the USW on the effects of the move, including severance and relocation benefits, and any other issues that the USW wished to discuss. The entire B&H negotiating team unequivocally rejects any assertion that the USW asked to continue bargaining over a first contract. B&H and the USW agreed to focus negotiations on the effects of the move.
The USW said today that the NLRB “has found merit in an unfair labor practice charge alleging B&H Photo… refused to bargain in good faith over a first contract…” Since the January announcement, we have held multiple negotiating sessions with the USW, and at no time over the past seven months since we announced the moves has the USW ever requested any discussion regarding a first contract.
We look forward to explaining this matter fully at a hearing. We continue negotiating with the USW on our Manhattan warehouse contract that we hope to finalize this fall.
B&H is one of the world’s largest independent retailers of photography, video, and audio equipment. The NYC store and award-winning website offer a wide range of electronics products, servicing professionals and consumers alike. B&H is known for its knowledgeable sales professionals, extensive stock, and excellent customer service. B&H has been exceeding customer expectations for over 40 years. For more information visit www.bhphoto.com.
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