Labor board: Exxon Mobil violated law regarding union in N.J.

Energy giant Exxon Mobil violated federal labor law by failing to bargain in good faith with about 190 union workers at a plant in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

A decision issued Wednesday by an NLRB judge doesn’t put to rest a labor-contract impasse that has stretched about one year between the company and union, Independent Laboratory Employees Union, whose members include dozens from the Lehigh Valley.

But one leader said Thursday the decision reinforces what labor leaders have been stressing to the rank and file in the union’s efforts of getting a fair contract.

“This is really big in affirming we know what we’re talking about,” said Tom Fredriksen, the union’s vice president.

In a 48-page decision by Michael A. Rosas, an NLRB administrative law judge, Exxon Mobil must stop committing multiple infractions of the National Labor Relations Act. They include:

Changing terms of conditions of employment without notifying the union.

Disparaging and denigrating the union.

Bypassing union leaders and dealing with employees regarding terms and conditions of employment.

Promising to grant employees parental paid time off if they withdraw from the union.

The parental paid time off has been a major sticking point for the union. Wages have also been an issue, according to union leaders. The union employees, who work as research technicians, electricians, mechanics and other positions, earn on average $38 an hour, according to leaders.

Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Sarah Nordin said in an email that the company was reviewing the judge’s decision.

“This is a step in a multistepped legal process,” Nordin said. “We are confident that we are bargaining in good faith. We are available and intend to meet with the union at any time and will continue to bargain in good faith."

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company early on during negotiations, and hearings were held in March. Union workers have been without a contract since June 21. The most recent contract talks occurred during three days in May, and Fredriksen said another round of bargaining is scheduled for June 20.

Workers voted 57-14 last summer to authorize a strike and walked off the job on two days last month. Meantime, negotiators with the union and company have held more than 20 negotiating sessions.

The Exxon Mobil facility in Clinton Township, about 20 miles from Easton, has about 1,100 employees. Its sprawling campus off Route 22 near Interstate 78 has 850 offices, 432 laboratories and 92 plants. On its website, the company identifies the facility as a primary research hub supporting all its major business lines.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Exxon Mobil ranks No. 2 on the most recent Fortune 500 list — behind Walmart and ahead of Apple — with net profit of nearly $20.8 billion on revenue of $290.2 billion, nearly 19% more than 2017’s revenue.

The union estimates about 40 Lehigh Valley union workers commute daily to the Exxon Mobil facility.

Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone can be reached at 610-820-6694 or asalamone@mcall.com.