Marsh Settles Federal Labor Lawsuit

Marsh Supermarkets settled the National Labor Relations Board lawsuit brought against the Indianapolis-based grocer by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700, which accused the company of firing two workers because they were trying to organize a union.

In a settlement reached Wednesday afternoon, Marsh agreed to pay $42,500 to the two workers and to not interfere with any attempt by employees to form a union.

Dave Redden, Marsh senior VP of human resources, said the grocer opted to settle the case to avoid incurring the costs of litigation concerning the charges alleging unfair labor practices filed last year.

“Marsh has consistently maintained that we did not violate the National Labor Relations Act and insisted on including a non-admissions statement in the settlement as well as no reinstatement of the two associates, all of which was included,” Redden said in a statement. “In fact, Marsh has always respected employee rights under the NLRA and will continue to do so. We are grateful for our associates' confidence in Marsh and look forward to continuing to work with them. Consequently, Marsh has decided to settle this matter and to continue to focus on making the company an industry and community leader.”

The settlement resolves charges brought by UFCW Local 700, which alleged that Marsh violated federal law by threatening, intimidating, interrogating and coercing its workers to try to discourage them from forming a union; and with illegally firing two employees for supporting the union. The settlement requires the company to post notices in its stores explaining to workers their rights to form, join or assist a union under federal law.

“The workers who unjustly lost their jobs will be made whole by this settlement,” said UFCW Local 700 President Joe Chorpenning. “This is a victory not only for the two workers, but for all Marsh employees.”