Chicago, Illinois

Several bus drivers of Latino Express, a transportation company, sought the help of Teamsters Local Union 777 (Union) to improve their working conditions, and solicited their co-workers support to have the Union represent them in this regard. 

As the campaign progressed, the employees met with resistance from company owners and managers who began efforts to undermine the protected activity. Two employees were eventually terminated. The two employees filed charges with the NLRB’s Chicago office. Following an investigation, the NLRB found merit and asked the court to order immediate reinstatement of the employees, which the court did in April 2012.  A decision by the Board on July 31, 2012 also found that Latino Express violated the Act by terminating the employees.

Latino Express failed to comply with the court’s order to reinstate the employees, and was held in contempt. Following an appeal, the court agreed with the NLRB and found Latino Express to be in contempt and ordered the company to comply in full.