After repeated requests by labor and religious advocates to meet with American Family Insurance (AFI) to discuss the labor practices of its contractor Clean Power, the company issued a statement, January 6, saying it would do nothing to rein in a union-busting campaign taking place inside its corporate headquarters on Madison’s far east side.
In a recent letter to AFI’s CEO Harvey Pierce, South Central Federation of Labor President Jim Cavanaugh complained about an incident last October 26. Using AFI’s offices, Clean Power herded workers into captive audience meetings where anti-union videos were shown.
AFI’s public relations director Kenneth Muth responded to Cavanaugh that the company would not meet with the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice, adding that it would be “arrogant and presumptuous” to interfere in Clean Power’s relations with its workers.
“Clean Power workers at American Family have told us that the air of repression there is very high, and that new workers are being especially targeted for intimidation,” says Leone Bicchieri, an organizer with SEIU Local 1’s Justice for Janitors campaign.
“American Family is essentially saying, whatever Clean Power does to its employees is of no concern – even if it involves intimidation and repression. We’re talking about a basic human right – the right to free association,” says Bicchieri.
American Family tossed out its own custodial workforce years ago allowing cut-rate cleaning contractors to take the work – and a cut of the action, said Patrick Hickey, director of the ICWJ.
“Because of its size, American Family can get the best deal, which it does by helping to drag down janitors’ wages and benefits for the entire industry,” says Hickey.
That’s the crux of the problem, he says. “Clean Power may not be in a position to greatly improve working conditions because American Family holds the purse strings too tightly. So, who is really responsible?”
“American Family is obviously more interested in its profit line, and is not likely to work with Clean Power to get a fair deal for workers,” says Hickey. “I certainly hope they’ll reconsider.”
“I don’t know how we can interpret American Family’s response as anything other than 1) they don’t care about the employment practices of the companies with which they do business, and 2) they think it is okay to use their property to show anti-union propaganda films,” says Cavanaugh.
“I think we have an obligation to inform union members and their supporters of these attitudes,” he said. “Personally, I've been a customer of American Family since 1968. I guess now I'm going to go insurance shopping.”
Corporate Responsibility
American Family touts its reputation built on a 75 year commitment to “integrity” and “the highest ethical standards.”
According to AFI’s web site: “The reputation we enjoy and trust-based relationships we have built with our customers are determined by the example set by management and the character and good judgment exercised at all levels of our organization.”
The company also brags of its long tradition of investing time and money – “giving back to the communities” in which it does business, to “ensure quality of life for those communities and their residents.”
“Maybe we should ask American Family to sponsor a food drive for Clean Power janitors so their children can eat, or hold a fundraiser so they can get healthcare,” says Bicchieri.
Take Action Today!
Call American Family Insurance CEO Harvey Pierce at (608) 249-2111 today. Tell him you want Justice for Janitors and a union contract for Clean Power janitors.