MEETING MINUTES – June 9, 2004

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held on at Renaissance Hotel in Asheville.  Should you have any questions, comments or corrections, please contact Bridget Downey, PHR.

Chapter Business:
Renee Anderson opened the meeting by asking members to introduce their guests.

Phil Leftwich of AB Tech provided information on a new Human Resources Program being offered at the college beginning this fall.  It is designed to provide students with the skills they need to become HR Generalists and Specialists.  Students completing the program will earn a 2-year AAS Degree.  Classes will be offered primarily in the evenings, with some daytime classes.  Mr. Leftwich encourages all prospective students and instructors to contact him. 

In Frank Pomeroy’s absence, Diane Bailey-Brooks introduced our featured vendor of the month, Cheryl Wolfe of Orizon Search Solutions.  They are a staffing and consulting service associated with Medical Business Resources and are located at 212 Ridgefield Business Center.  Cheryl Wolfe can be contacted by phone at (828) 250-2920. 

Program Highlights:

Carol Rovello introduced J. Steve Warren, Esq. of Jackson Lewis, LLP, who presented a lively, interactive program on Union Avoidance.  Steve has noticed an increase in union activity in the Southeast, particularly in the area of neutrality agreements.  The automotive industry, in particular, places enormous pressure on their suppliers to sign these agreements.

Steve reminded members that a neutrality agreement is synonymous with a gag order, and should not be entered into without a complete understanding of the consequences.  Having a neutrality agreement doesn’t necessarily mean that a union campaign will be successful; it just makes it much more likely to succeed.

Steve gave three suggestions for avoiding union campaigns:

1.      Have a clear policy on unions; clearly communicate and enforce the policy.

2.      Develop an in-depth understanding of the laws concerning union activities, and stay abreast of any developments in this area.

3.      When an employee asks if he/she should sign a union card, SAY NO!

Steve firmly believes that the four most important words an employer should learn are, “Don’t Sign The Card!”  Employees should be informed about the consequences of signing this card.  It is like signing a blank check.  100% of the money charged by unions comes from employees; employers are prevented by law from contributing to unions.

In addition to one of the most enjoyable presentations we have had, Steve provided members with an extremely interesting and informative handout.  Those who were unable to attend might be able to persuade him to send you a copy if you give Steve a call at (864)-232-7000.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.