News Story

Union Labels Nonunion Employees 'Welfare Scabs' With Vulgar Photo on Company Property

Employee calls the tactic ‘bullying’ and contrary to company policy

A union local’s desire to call out fellow employees who opt out of membership may conflict with company policy, one employee says.

One wall inside the Lansing location of a logistics company contains a list of employees who aren’t union members. They are called “Work Welfare Scabs.”

At least one employee at the company thinks that listing the names of the 38 employees at Ryder Integrated Logistics who aren’t members of UAW Local 652 constitutes bullying.

The list of employees is accompanied by the image of a smiley face giving the middle finger while holding a sign that reads “Scabs.”

A truck driver at the facility, who fears retaliation and asked to remain anonymous, said posting the list of nonunion members on the back wall violates Ryder’s company policy.

“Ryder needs to know about this and take action because the conduct of those doing this goes against the company policy that states the company has zero tolerance for bullying, and that includes this practice inside its property,” the source said.

UAW Local 652 did not provide a statement after two phone call requesting comment. Ryder didn’t respond to an email and phone calls seeking comment.

Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.