Washington County metals company to pay $3.66M to settle unfair labor practices case

A Washington County metals company will pay $3.66 million to settle an unfair labor practices case filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

Langeloth Metallurgical Co. LLC will pay lost wages, 401(k) contributions, expenses and lump-sum backpay and some front pay for about 51 employees who had struck the company between Sept. 19, 2019, and Aug. 16. 2021. Administrative Law Judge Sarah Karpinen found Langeloth hadn’t reinstated or didn’t reinstate some of the striking employees in September 2021 after the United Autoworkers Union had offered unconditionally to return to work. The NLRB determined the 51 had been eligible for reinstatement, the NLRB said.

In addition to the terms for the former employees, the company agreed under the settlement that it will provide written notification, post a notice to employees and correct seniority dates for vacation purposes for some of the striking employees who had been reinstated.