NLRB Enters Costa Mesa Macy’s Dispute

A labor dispute has erupted between Macy’s at South Coast Plaza and workers who want to organize.

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint alleging that the department store in Costa Mesa attempted to interfere with workers seeking union representation. A hearing has been set for Feb. 1 before an administrative law judge.

Allegations include charges that the store’s management enforced a “no talking” rule to discourage employees from joining or helping the union and “interrogated” employees about their union activities.

“In complaints against Macy’s, we’re alleging violations against, essentially, just the rights of workers to freely organize,” said Peter Tovar, deputy regional attorney for Region 21 of the labor board.

The agency has also filed charges against Bloomingdale’s at Fashion Island, alleging unfair labor practices after complaints by union locals.

Federated Department Stores Inc., which owns Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, declined to comment about specific allegations. “We have and will continue to operate within the letter and spirit of the law,” said Carol Sanger, a spokeswoman for the Cincinnati-based company.

Bloomingdale’s workers began flirting with the union last year, and Macy’s employees started collecting signatures in January. A store needs endorsements from 30% of the employees to force a vote that could allow union representation.

“In the last year, there has been an upswing in unions attempting to organize workers,” Tovar said. “It’s just recently they’re attempting to organize the major retail outlets here in Southern California.