The Post-Dispatch failed to show “just cause” for discharging union activist and ad salesman Al Arno last year, and Al should return to work, arbitrator Joseph Daly, professor at Hamline University School of Law, ruled last week. Al had been accused of serious misconduct last year and fired after he raised his voice to two Lee Enterprises employess who had laughed at a tense personal situation Al was facing. Taking into consideration Al’s long employment at the Post and his stressful situation, Professor Daly ruled that his behavior was not serious misconduct and that the dismissal went too far.
Even though the company violated “just cause” standards, Professor Daly did rule that Al’s behavior was “inappropriate” and merited a long-term suspension. This means Al won’t get back pay for his nine months off. We’re disappointed that Professor Daly did not follow through and give Al his back pay. That decision is just an example of how unpredictable arbitration awards can be. The company must reimburse Al for his health insurance payments-roughly $8,000-so we’re happy about that. With state unemployment payments his only income, Al had to pay $950 a month to maintain health coverage. While Al was out of work waiting for the arbitration hearing and ruling, he worked hard for the Guild. He was in the office almost daily volunteering his help and helped launch the Local’s organizing drives at Lee papers in Illinois. Al also served on the Guild bargaining team that talked to the company about new performance standards for retail salespeople. Al’s participation and astute questioning about the how’s and why’s of the ill-conceived implementation of the new territory and account transfers highlighted the plan’s lack of a logical basis and greatly enhanced discussions. We want all in the Guild and the company to know that we will never back down from defending any of our members. In Al’s case, we cost the company many thousands of dollars, caught them in multiple lies and got one of our brothers back to work. Make no mistake-Al’s return to work will piss them off.
In fact, advertising managers who have left the company have told us that Jen Wood, Vice President of Advertising, used managers’ meetings as an opportunity to demean him personally and crow mightily about firing Al.We’re proud of Al and his courage and we plan a BIG WELCOME BACK for him on his return July 19. Meanwhile, thanks to all of you who suppored Al during this time. Standing together, we will ensure that all our Guild members are treated with fairness and justice.
2 comments ↓
For additional information and an update on the July 19 Al Arno Day festivities, please visit the St. Louis Newspaper Guild website:
http://www.stlouisguild.org/
What a twist to this story. A long time loyal employee treated unjustly by Lee, shows that justice will prevail!
I just heard that Al Arno took the incentive package in Sept. ‘07. Lee offered it in St. Louis, no layoffs to cut jobs and expenses because of the Union contract.
Not only did Arno, a 30 year employee justly get his job back, but along with many other employees offered the severance, recieved 2 weeks pay for every year of service, lifetime medical paid for by Lee, and a company pension like he is 65 years old. All this because of the strong Union contract.
Now retired, the Union helped turn lemons into lemonade for Arno. It was also reported that the board of Aldermen for the City of St. Louis, forever declared the day of his return to work “Al Arno Day”.
How do you think this would have worked out if like Lee said, “We” prefer you sit down with your supervisor and discuss any concerns individually.
I signed a card.
Leave a Comment