The National Labor Relations Board has ordered Dollar General to abide by labor laws and cease violating employee rights.  The action arises from obstruction of organizing efforts by Dollar General employees at a store in Barkhamsted, CT. and allegedly at other locations. The National Labor Relations Board determined that an employee was wrongfully terminated for union activities and the company threatened to close the store if workers voted in favor of a union.

Dollar General has amassed $20 million in fines imposed by OSHA for unsafe working conditions.  EGG-NEWS has commented previously on the risks to which employees are exposed in convenience and dollar stores including blocked fire exits, hold-ups and dangerous storage of inventory.

In a statement, Dollar General noted, “In 2021 our Barkhamsted employees voted against union representation and in favor of working directly with the company.  At no time during this election did Dollar General violate the National Labor Act.”  This self-serving statement is at variance with the decision handed down by Judge Arthur Amchan based on evidence presented.

The Dollar General response to individual store union activities is reminiscent of the recent labor problems encountered by Starbuck’s and Trader Joe’s.  In the case of these two companies, there has been a history of an amicable relationship between staff and management with liberal benefits and opportunities for advancement for employees. Clearly a deterioration occurred during the COVID years.