The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint against McKay’s Books, Inc., alleging the company violated federal labor law at its Knoxville, Tennessee store. The complaint comes after an investigation into charges filed by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 3805.
According to the NLRB, McKay’s Books is accused of retaliating against a member of the union bargaining committee by firing him without just cause due to his union activity. The board also alleges that McKay’s engaged in bad faith bargaining practices by refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals. Additionally, the company is accused of discriminating against workers for their union membership by excluding them from premium pay during the 2023 Labor Day holiday and from a cost-of-living adjustment in 2024—benefits provided to non-union stores.
The NLRB is seeking reinstatement and backpay for Blake Lemons, the dismissed worker, as well as an order requiring McKay’s to participate in meaningful bargaining for a period of 24 months with regular updates provided to the agency.
“I joined the union because every dedicated employee at McKay’s deserves dignity, respect, and the security of a union contract that guarantees just cause,” said Blake Lemons, who served on the union bargaining committee for 21 years before being fired. “I look forward to getting back to the job I love, serving my customers, and negotiating a union contract that protects my coworkers from going through the unjust treatment I received for standing with my union. It’s time for a fair contract, and we won’t back down until we get it.”
Ray Mehaffey, president of CWA Local 3805, commented on the situation: “It is unfortunate that McKay’s owners have put more effort into fighting workers’ clear choice for a union instead of joining us at the bargaining table to negotiate a contract that will improve the Knoxville store. It was no accident that McKay’s owners cynically used Labor Day to discriminate against union workers and sow division between stores when all McKay’s workers want dignity and respect on the job.”
Negotiations between CWA-represented employees and management began in February 2023 and have now extended into their 30th month. Employees are seeking their first collective bargaining agreement. For many years, these workers have been recognized locally for providing affordable books and entertainment options but report challenges such as heavy workloads and inadequate pay.
The Communications Workers of America represents employees across various industries including telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, among others.
