NLRB judge: Dollar General committed ‘blatant hallmark unfair labor practices’

The “highest levels” of Dollar General management interfered with union organizing at a store in Connecticut, violating federal labor law in a number of ways, according to a ruling this week by a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge.

Among the violations: Dollar General employees were required to listen to a presentation encouraging them to vote against the union (a so-called captive-audience meeting), wrongful termination of a pro-union employee, and making an “implied threat” of closing a store in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, because of union activity.

“The unfair labor practices herein involve individuals at the highest levels of [Dollar General parent] Dolgen management,” NLRB Administrative Law Judge Arthur Amchan wrote Monday. “They were also committed pursuant to a corporate policy as to how to deal with organizing efforts by Dollar General employees. They also constitute blatant hallmark unfair labor practices.”

Dollar General, in an email to WGB Wednesday, said it plans to appeal the ruling. 

"In 2021, our Barkhamsted employees voted against union representation and in favor of working directly with the Company," the retailer said. "At no time during this election did Dollar General violate the National Labor Relations Act. We believe the ALJ’s decision misapplies the law and ignores, and in some instances incorrectly states, the facts of this case, and we intend to appeal."

Dollar General must now post notices for employees in all of its stores and electronically that detail federal laws surrounding union activity, including notice that all workers have the right to form, join or assist a union without employer interference.

The discounter must also stop discriminating against employees for engaging in union activity or any other actions that discourage unionization, the judge said. Further, the fired worker must be offered his job back, according to the ruling.

The case of Dollar General versus United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 371 and the AFL-CIO stems from charges filed by the union in 2021. The case was tried earlier this year.

Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General operates more than 19,000 stores and recently announced plans to enter Montana, its 48th state.

In addition to the labor violations, Dollar General has long been the recipient of penalties from the U.S. Department of Labor for widespread workplace safety violations. Since 2017, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed more than $21 million in fines against the retailer.

UPDATE: This story has been updated with a comment from Dollar General.